Missing New Jersey Woman, 26, Found Alive In Wooded Area
FRANKLIN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey woman who went missing 10 days ago has been found alive.
Authorities say a hunter found 26-year-old Tammy Kim in a wooded area of Franklin, in Essex County, on Saturday, not far from the coffee shop where she had vanished on Sept. 1.
"She looked as good as someone could look being in the woods for as long as she was," Detective Nevin Mattessich said.
The artist and teacher was missing for days as her family frantically lined the town with posters, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported. Kim's mother did not want to show her face on camera, but told CBS2 her daughter had been off her medication for autoimmune issues.
"We are extremely happy and relieved to announce that Tammy was found alive this morning by a hunter, thanks to the hunting season that began today. We are grateful for the law enforcement, family, friends, and volunteers who helped search for our daughter over the past ten days. We ask for privacy and continued prayers as Tammy continues to slowly recover," the family said in a statement.
Kim was last seen at the coffee shop where her father had dropped her off. She was spotted on a surveillance camera at a laundromat later that day, and her cellphone and laptop were found three miles from the coffee shop.
"The hunter came across what he thought were feet, came a little closer and realized what it was and called 911," Mettessich said.
Kim was airlifted to Morristown Hospital where she remained with family Saturday evening.
"We don't believe preliminary she was assaulted. We spent some time in the hospital with her. She obviously didn't appear fine, but no obvious signs of injuries initially," Mettessich said.
As authorities try to figure out just how the woman ended up so deep in the trees-- family, friends and community members are relieved for the happy ending.
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