Authorities announced that the human remains of a Crystal Lake woman have been found in North Carolina after she went missing in July on a trip to the state.
Caitlin Hodges, 29, of Crystal Lake, was reported missing on July 25 to the Goldsboro, North Carolina, Police Department.
“Our investigator(s) are actively working on this case, and we are committed to doing everything possible to locate Caitlin and ensure her safety,” the department said in September.
Hodges was last seen on July 18 in Goldsboro where she had been staying with her boyfriend.
A missing persons flyer said the woman’s family and friends were “extremely concerned” for her safety and well-being.
Family had asked the public to keep an eye out for Hodges in McHenry County and Chicago as they said it was possible she may have intended to go back to Illinois.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said that human remains were located in the 900 block of Dollard Town Road in Goldsboro on December 10.
The remains were transported to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (NCOCME) for analysis.
The NCOCME notified the sheriff’s office in late March that the remains were consistent with being female but they did not believe the remains were that of Hodges.
The NCOCME then notified the sheriff’s office this month that further examination and testing showed the remains were of Hodges.
Family members of Hodges were notified of the NCOCME’s findings.
Mandy Hodges said that the family is “deeply saddened” by the news. “So many of you poured your time, effort, and resources into the search for Caitlin, and for that, we will always be thankful.”
An obituary for Hodges said she was born in McHenry County and was “deeply loved” and will be remembered for her “infectious laughter and her beautiful smile.”
“She loved to play guitar and had such a free spirit. She loved sunflowers and sea turtles. She loved to help others and truly was a tremendous soul full of love and light. Caitlin loved to travel and made friends everywhere she went,” the obituary said.
A celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake.
Investigators say the case is still under investigation and anyone with information about the woman’s death is asked to contact the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office at 919-731-1481 or the Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.