Ashley Phillips was hiking toward a waterfall at an isolated regenerative sanctuary in Costa Rica when severe weather struck, leaving the 30-year-old California woman missing for more than two weeks as authorities shift their investigation toward a possible water-related tragedy.
Background
Phillips arrived at HOME Farm—a retreat center advertising itself as "Heaven On Mother Earth" nestled in Costa Rica's Diamanté Valley near Nauyaca waterfalls—seeking what she described as a restorative stay. The sanctuary rests on 55 acres of lush tropical jungle and sits atop the dramatic waterfall formations that draw visitors seeking solitude and wellness.
Friends and family say Phillips made daily visits to the waterfall area, where she practiced yoga in the pristine natural setting. She spoke warmly with her father Jeffrey Phillips about small details from her retreat experience, including a baby pineapple growing on a bush near her accommodations.
Tropical Storm Cristina swept through the region during the time of Phillips' disappearance, bringing high winds, several inches of rain, and dangerous flash flooding to the Diamanté Valley area. The severe weather caused mudslides and dangerous conditions that would later stall search efforts.
The Investigation
Costa Rican authorities from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial informed Jeffrey Phillips on Monday that they believe his daughter was likely involved in a "water-related accident." The family shared a chilling video of a flash flood consuming a waterfall located just a short distance from where Ashley was last seen hiking.
The investigation has taken an uncertain path. The family previously received conflicting information from authorities, including initial suggestions the case might involve a "crime with physical evidence." Police later walked back that statement, saying they were continuing to investigate her disappearance as a missing persons case.
Search efforts have been complicated by ongoing severe weather conditions in the region. Tropical Storm Cristina brought dangerous flooding and mudslides to the area, forcing volunteers and rescue teams to pause operations multiple times over the past week.
Jeffrey Phillips noted that his daughter was staying in an "isolated area" where emergency services would be limited if something went wrong during her hike.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Phillips, 30, of California was last seen June 2 hiking toward a waterfall at the HOME Farm retreat center in Costa Rica's Diamanté Valley
- She had been practicing daily yoga at the waterfall location before she vanished as Tropical Storm Cristina brought dangerous flooding to the region
- Costa Rican authorities told her father they believe she likely died in a "water-related accident"
- The family previously received conflicting information from police, including an initial mention of possible criminal activity that was later retracted
- Search efforts have been repeatedly stalled by severe weather conditions and flash flooding in the remote jungle area
What's Next
Search operations continue in the Diamanté Valley region near Nauyaca waterfalls as volunteers work alongside Costa Rican authorities. A family-run GoFundMe page has raised nearly $16,000 of its $20,000 goal to support search efforts and honor Ashley's memory. The family has asked for continued prayers "for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time." Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities in the investigation.