“THE PHONE STOPPED MOVING AT 2:17 AM.” 😳💔 The family of missing California woman Ashley Phillips has shared a heartbreaking update after her disappearance in Costa Rica 👀 👇 But it’s one item reportedly left behind in her hotel room that is now raising even more questions

Family of California woman Ashley Phillips who went missing in Costa Rica shares tragic update

Ashley Phillips, a 30-year-old woman from Santa Clarita, California, had embarked on what she hoped would be a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Approximately one year before her disappearance, she left behind the familiar comforts of home to immerse herself in a more natural, sustainable way of living. She found her sanctuary at HOME Farm—short for Heaven On Mother Earth—a regenerative farm and wellness retreat nestled in the Diamante Valley, atop the renowned Nauyaca Waterfalls in the heart of a 55-acre tropical rainforest.

The farm, known for its commitment to ecological restoration, permaculture, and holistic living, offered the perfect backdrop for Ashley’s passions. She practiced yoga daily, meditated in the embrace of nature, cared for animals, and explored the vibrant biodiversity surrounding her. Friends and family described her as a loving daughter, devoted sister, and energetic friend who radiated positivity. A graduate of Valencia High School and a student at College of the Canyons, Ashley had always been drawn to travel, the outdoors, and animal welfare. Her move to Costa Rica represented a bold step toward living life on her own terms, embracing adventure and spiritual growth.

Collage of a blurred video frame of a red raft on water and a close-up photo of a woman with dark wavy hair.

On the morning of June 3, 2026, Ashley set out for what had become a routine hike near the breathtaking Nauyaca Waterfalls. The two-tiered cascades, with their powerful flows plunging into natural pools, were a place where she often found peace through yoga and meditation. However, that day, severe weather intervened in a tragic way. A powerful storm system brought torrential rains to the region, triggering flash floods, landslides, and sudden surges in waterways. Even if conditions appeared manageable where Ashley was, upstream rains in the mountainous terrain could rapidly create deadly “headwaters” or flash floods downstream—a common and dangerous phenomenon in Costa Rica during the rainy season, which typically runs from May to November.

Ashley’s last communications with her family were on June 2 and into the early hours of June 3. When she failed to return or respond, alarm quickly spread. Her mother Lesley, father Jeffrey Phillips, and stepfather Jeff Jonkey in Santa Clarita mobilized immediately. They launched a desperate search effort, coordinating with local authorities and international supporters. The family painted a vivid picture of Ashley as someone who lived fearlessly and confidently in her identity, always seeking connection with the natural world.

Rescue operations were intense but challenging from the start. The Costa Rican Red Cross, firefighters, volunteers, search dogs, drones, and divers scoured the rugged, jungle-covered terrain. Heavy rains and unstable ground forced multiple pauses in the search, as the country was under a nationwide green alert for flooding and landslides. The area around Barú de Pérez Zeledón, where HOME Farm is located, proved particularly treacherous due to saturated soils and steep slopes. Despite these obstacles, teams pressed on, driven by hope and the support of the local community.

To sustain the effort, the family established a GoFundMe campaign shortly after her disappearance. The page quickly gained traction, raising more than $20,000 to cover search expenses, volunteer support, and eventual memorial arrangements. Updates on the fundraiser kept well-wishers informed, expressing the family’s gratitude while acknowledging the nightmare they were enduring. “For the past seven days, the Jonkey and Phillips family have been living through every parent’s and sibling’s worst nightmare,” one early post read.

Jeff Jonkey, Ashley’s stepfather, spoke openly about the circumstances. He believed Ashley might have been caught off guard by a flash flood while near the river or practicing yoga. “It could have been sunny where she was, but just a few miles upstream, heavy rain caused the surge,” he explained in interviews. The family emphasized that she was living her best life, fully embracing the adventurous spirit that defined her. She had recently shared joyful details with her father, like spotting a small pineapple growing on the farm—a symbol of the simple wonders she cherished in her new home.

After more than two weeks of exhaustive searching, a breakthrough came on June 18, 2026. Rescue teams from the Costa Rican Red Cross discovered the body of a woman in the river, approximately 600 meters from the suspected incident site. The remains were recovered from challenging terrain and transferred to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) for investigation. On June 19 or 20, the family confirmed the heartbreaking news: it was Ashley. There were no signs of life when she was found, and authorities continued to investigate the exact cause, though evidence pointed strongly to a water-related accident amid the storm.

In their official update on the GoFundMe, the family wrote with profound sorrow: “With broken hearts, we share the news that Ashley’s body has been found.” While devastated, they found a measure of comfort in the ability to bring her home for a proper farewell. “Ashley was confident in who God created her to be and lived life with a spirit of adventure,” the statement continued. “She loved traveling, spending time in nature, and caring for animals.”

The tragedy has rippled far beyond Ashley’s immediate family. Tributes poured in from friends, fellow yoga practitioners, and even strangers moved by the story. Many remembered her vibrant personality and the light she brought into rooms. Social media filled with messages of condolence, photos of Ashley smiling in nature, and reflections on the risks inherent in pursuing a life close to the wild. Her time at HOME Farm highlighted a growing trend of individuals seeking regenerative retreats as escapes from modern pressures, yet it also served as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.

HOME Farm itself stands as a testament to sustainable living. Perched above the Nauyaca Waterfalls, the 55-acre property promotes permaculture, reforestation, yoga, meditation, and community building. Visitors and residents alike engage in activities that foster harmony with the environment—tending gardens, caring for rescued animals, and participating in wellness practices. For Ashley, it was an ideal setting to heal and grow. The farm’s founders and community expressed deep sadness at her loss, underscoring the close bonds formed in such intentional spaces.

Costa Rica’s natural beauty is world-renowned, drawing millions of eco-tourists and adventurers each year. However, its geography—marked by volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and abundant waterways—makes it vulnerable to extreme weather. Climate change has intensified these patterns, leading to more frequent and severe storms. Flash floods in particular pose a silent threat, as they can develop with little local warning. The Nauyaca area, while stunning, has seen similar incidents in the past, especially during peak rainy months when rivers swell rapidly.

The search and recovery effort showcased the dedication of Costa Rican rescue services. Teams navigated slippery trails, used ropes and harnesses in hazardous spots, and coordinated with drones for aerial views. Volunteers from near and far joined, demonstrating international solidarity. The family has publicly thanked all involved, from professional responders to local helpers who provided resources and emotional support. Their efforts, though ultimately tragic in outcome, provided the closure the family needed.

As the family prepares to lay Ashley to rest in California, plans for a celebration of life are underway. The GoFundMe funds will help facilitate the repatriation of her remains and honor her memory through events that reflect her love for nature and animals. Loved ones hope to plant trees, support animal causes, or contribute to regenerative projects in her name—continuing the values she held dear.

This story resonates deeply in an era where many seek meaning through travel and reconnection with the earth. Ashley Phillips exemplified the courage to chase that path, even when it led her far from home. Her untimely passing highlights both the profound rewards and inherent risks of such a lifestyle. It prompts reflection on safety protocols for solo adventurers in remote areas: checking weather forecasts rigorously, informing others of plans, carrying emergency devices, and respecting the power of tropical environments.

For her family in Santa Clarita, the pain remains raw. They have endured weeks of uncertainty, fluctuating between hope and fear, only to face the finality of loss. Yet in their statements, resilience shines through. They speak of Ashley’s legacy as one of joy, adventure, and love for creation. Her spirit, they believe, lives on in the memories shared and the inspiration she provided to others pursuing similar dreams.

The broader community in Santa Clarita and beyond has rallied around the Phillips and Jonkey families. Local media covered the story extensively, amplifying calls for support. Vigils and prayer gatherings offered spaces for collective mourning. Ashley’s story also brings attention to the challenges faced by families of missing persons abroad, including navigating foreign bureaucracies, language barriers, and logistical hurdles during crises.

In the end, Ashley’s journey reminds us of life’s fragility. A young woman full of promise, she sought peace in the rainforest and found herself forever part of it. Her family’s strength in sharing their grief publicly has helped raise awareness about flash flood dangers and the importance of preparedness. As they move forward, their focus remains on honoring a daughter and sister who lived authentically and passionately.