Woman who died at Devil's Den State Park identified

FAYETTEVILLE -- Officials confirmed the identity of the dead woman found Monday night at Devil's Den State Park is Monica Murphy, 28, from Springdale.

The Washington County Coroner's Office was notified about 8:18 p.m. that a person fell from Yellow Rock Overlook, Coroner Roger Morris said Monday night.

Washington County Sheriff's Office criminal investigation division handled the incident. The preliminary investigation indicates it's a suicide, spokeswoman Kelly Cantrell said Tuesday.

Emergency responders worked through difficult terrain, Cantrell said.

Devil's Den Ranger, Urban Search and Rescue, Central EMS and Strickler Fire Department assisted in the search.

The body was found about 11 p.m. and is being sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to confirm cause of death, Cantrell said.

Rodney Letterman, 33, of Bartlesville, Okla., is still missing after he was last seen hiking on Butterfield Trail at the state park with a friend when they separated Aug. 27.

Authorities and rescue teams called off active searches for Letterman at the beginning of September, but the missing person case is still open, Cantrell said. Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office, Cantrell said.

Tim Scott, park assistant superintendent, said his photo is still being handed out to hikers in the park and specifically on the Butterfield Trail.

"This time of year, there will be more people enjoying the outdoors with the cool weather and hunting season. Maybe something will turn up this fall," he said.

NW News on 10/04/2017

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