California Woman Goes Missing During Costa Rica Hike Amid Flash Flooding, Mudslides

Costa Rica officials issued a nationwide green alert on June 4 due to ongoing severe weather conditions.
Published: 6/15/2026, 4:09:36 PM EDT
California Woman Goes Missing During Costa Rica Hike Amid Flash Flooding, Mudslides
Neighbors walk under the rain past a washed out road in Alajuelita on the outskirts of San Jose, Costa Rica, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. Tropical Storm Nate formed off the coast of Nicaragua on Thursday and was being blamed for at least 17 deaths in Central America as it spun north toward a potential landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast as a hurricane over the weekend. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

A California woman is still missing in Costa Rica nearly two weeks after severe weather caused flooding and mudslides during a hike.

Ashley Phillips, a resident of Santa Clarita reported to be 30 by local media outlets, disappeared on June 2 while hiking in the Central American country, a family friend shared on GoFundMe.

In a June 12 update, fundraiser organizer Kaylee Baker said search efforts had been temporarily halted due to the ongoing storm-related conditions across the country.

"Today marks 10 days since Ashley went on a hike and did not return," Baker wrote. "However, the search is expected to resume once conditions improve and the drier season begins."

Costa Rica's rainy season, also known as the green season, usually runs from May to November.

The country's National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert on June 4, warning that saturated soils and ongoing rainfall had heightened the risk of flooding and landslides.

The agency urged the public, especially those living near rivers or unstable slopes, to remain cautious amid the storms and advised motorists to be wary of hazardous road conditions, including mudslides and falling trees.

The commission later raised the alert level to yellow across the Pacific Slope and the Central Valley on June 6, noting that torrential downpours and thunderstorms were forecast throughout the following week.

"Given these conditions, we urge the public to exercise extreme caution and, above all, under no circumstances expose themselves to danger by crossing flooded areas," the agency said. "Pedestrians should remain vigilant regarding potential impacts on roofs, utility poles, power lines, signs, trees, and other structures."

No additional information was shared about the exact time or location Phillips was hiking when she went missing. NTD reached out to Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Police for any available update on the investigation and search efforts, but a response was not received by publication time.

Baker said proceeds from the GoFundMe fundraiser, which has raised more than $14,000 as of Monday afternoon, would go toward supporting volunteers who have been involved in the search, as well as honoring Phillips' life through a meaningful memorial tribute.

"As her family reflects on Ashley’s life, they are finding ways to honor her, especially her deep love for animals. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have surpassed our goal multiple times," Baker shared. "We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time."