The remains of a missing woman have been found nearly four months after she was reported missing after Hurricane Ian, Florida officials announced Thursday.
A tree removal companydiscovered the bodyof Ilonka Knes, 82, while working in the area off of Tropical Shores Way in Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said at a press conference.
The tree workers “immediately” reported their discovery to the Lee County Sheriff’s office, Marceno added. Officials identified Ilonka via dental records later that evening.
The Lee County coroner has determined that Knes died from an accidental drowning, according to the sheriff.
“I hope this discovery can bring the family some closure,” Marceno said at Thursday’s press conference.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
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Lee County officials received a request to conduct a well-being check on Ilonka on Oct. 7, but failed to locate her on several occasions. She was officially listed as a missing person on Oct. 15.
Her husband Robert Knes, 81, wasfound deadshortly after the storm slammed into the state, according to the Associated Press. Marceno said Robert was found “in close proximity” to his wife.
Ilonka was one of two individuals still listed as missing following Hurricane Ian. James Hurst, 72, still remains missing, the AP reported.
Hurst informed family that he planned to weather the storm onboard his sailboat in Fort Myers Beach, per the outlet. He has not been heard from since.
In total, 74 people from Lee County have died as a result of Hurricane Ian, Marceno said Thursday.
More than140 people in Florida dieddue to the storm, according to the AP and NBC News.
source: people.com
