A body discovered by kayakers near the Great Miami River has been identified as missing Troy teen Ellie Carder.
Troy Police Department received a call reporting the body near the river close to Tipp City, approximately two miles south of the State Route 41 bridge in Troy.
Miami County Sheriff’s Office and Troy detectives and officers responded to the scene. Troy Fire Department recovered the body from the river.
“This isn’t the outcome we were hoping for this whole time,” said Troy Police Capt. Dominic Burnside. “Our hearts and our sympathy goes out to the family of Ellie.”
Burnside said a preliminary examination of the body by a coroner’s investigator showed no obvious signs of trauma.
Carder’s body will be transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy that could take 8-12 weeks.
The search for the missing 14-year-old began on Feb. 2 when her father contacted the police. She had last been seen on Jan. 31. Her backpack was located in the river in early February.
The community had united in the search to locate Carder, and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base had also contributed to the search.
“We are heartbroken to have lost another classmate, friend, and student at Troy High School,” said Alexis Dedrick, principal at Troy High. “Please keep her family, friends, our school and our community in your thoughts as we navigate yet another tragic loss.”
Dedrick said crisis counseling services for any students or staff in need will be available Monday at the school as well as the Upper Valley Career Center.
“Please know that if any students or staff are in need, we will have crisis counseling services available on Monday at the High School as well as Upper Valley Career Center.
“Please know we are here for you, and our heart aches for all of those who knew and loved her. “
