Woman found dead in field in rural Washtenaw County has been identified as 42-year-old tourist from Brazil

NORTHFIELD TWP. (WWJ) -- A woman found dead in rural Washtenaw County , Michigan, last week has been identified as a tourist from Brazil, according to reports.

A GoFundMe started by Renata Santana says her sister, 42-year-old Suzan Christian Barbosa Ferreira, was the person found dead by a couple walking along Earhart Rd. between 6 Mile and 5 Mile roads in Northfield Township, the morning of June 30.

Santana is hoping to raise enough money to bring her sister's body home.

Santana wrote : "Hi, my name is Renata Santana and I am raising funds to bring my sister's, Suzan Cristian Barbosa Ferreira, body home for our family to our last goodbyes.

"Suzan is from Brazil and was in USA as a tourist, and was just a few days away, from coming to the UK to visit me, when her life was abruptly taken from us. Her body was found in a rural area, lying in a road culvert, victim of a cruelty.

"We need your help to bring her home, to allow her to rest in peace. Please help us to give to the family an opportunity to say the last goodbye."

According an email sent to MLive by Santana, Ferreira had been in the U.S. for about a month, traveling in parts of North Carolina and Michigan. Santana said in the email that the family became concerned after they stopped hearing from her on June 23, which Santana said was unusual.

Neighbors have said the body was unclothed, and a tipster who called the WWJ newsroom said the body had clearly been there for some time before the disturbing discovery was made.

It's still unclear what happened to Ferreira, and no arrests have been announced in connection with her death.

Police did not officially release the victim's identify, which Santana said was made through dental records, and they're not saying much else about the case.

While the Northfield PD did confirm that a woman's body was found at that location, the department isn't sharing any details, stating: "In maintaining the integrity of this investigation, no other information will be released at this time. As the investigation progresses, information that can be released will be shared with the public."

Responding to an email to WWJ seeking an update on Tuesday, Northville Twp. Police Lt. David Powell said he had nothing new to share at the moment, but hopes to be able to provide an update tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the GoFundMe has so far raised £2,445 (about $3,130 in USD) toward a £20,000 (about $25,600) goal. Those who wish to help can make a donation at this link .

Anyone with information about Ferreira's death is asked to call D/Sgt. Roberts, Officer Guerrero or Lt. Powell at 734-449-9911. Tips can also be sent via email to robertsj@northfieldmi.gov, guerreroj@northfieldmi.gov, or powelld@northfieldmi.gov.