Nationwide — Yadira Hernandez Castro, an 18-year-old Afro Latina girl from Concord, North Carolina, was found dead two days after going missing during a winter storm. Authorities say alcohol and freezing temperatures likely contributed to her death.
Castro left her home on Saturday, January 31, to visit a friend and was expected back by 8 p.m. She was reportedly intoxicated and last seen leaving her friend’s house around 10:30 p.m. that night.
According to People, her parents spoke to her on the phone around 10:50 p.m., but she never made it home. They reported her missing to the Concord Police Department the next morning, February 1, at 9:30 a.m.
Police immediately launched a search, interviewing family, friends, and neighbors while reviewing security footage. Video later showed Castro walking near Academy Avenue NW and Glenn Street NW around 12:27 a.m., helping guide search teams to the area.
The Concord Fire Department joined the search with K9 units and infrared drones. The first search on the evening of February 1 came up empty. Early the next day, February 2, police discovered a body matching her description and confirmed her identity around 5:30 p.m.
Officials said there is no sign of foul play. A winter storm had dumped at least 12 inches of snow in Concord, making conditions dangerous. The state medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Castro’s family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. It has raised over $10,000 toward a $40,000 goal.