After Intensive Search, Authorities Find Missing 22-Year-Old

Ashley EatonPhoto byPage County Sheriff's Office - Luray, Virginia

LURAY, Va. – A woman missing since last weekend has been found safe and sound.

According to a Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) media release, 22-year-old Ashley Eaton was reported missing on September 21, 2024.

Eaton, who has an intellectual disability, was last seen shortly after midnight at a Lake Arrowhead Road residence. It was believed that she may have left the area with someone in an unknown vehicle and was possibly in danger.

Upon receiving the report, PCSO deputies began checking for leads and canvassing the neighborhood where Eaton was last seen.

Social media posts by PSCO advised that, because of the search, residents would notice a substantial presence of law enforcement in the area, including drones and aviation operations.

A ground search was organized and completed by the PCSO and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Special Agents from Virginia State Police assisted with electronic forensics while investigators began executing search warrants and attempting to search cell phone tower data and social media.

Late in the day of September 25, authorities received a tip about Eaton’s whereabouts. Investigators traveled to the reported location and found that she was safe.

Even though it was determined that Eaton had left her residence under her own accord, investigators do not believe this was a random act. During the investigation, evidence of additional criminal activity from another individual was discovered.

Due to the ongoing investigation related to the second individual, no additional information is being released at this time.

Eaton has been successfully reunited with her family.