Authorities in Lexington, South Carolina, located a body during the operation deployed to find a personal trainer who has been missing for almost a week.

The discovery occurred on Wednesday afternoon during a search carried out by police forces and emergency teams in an area where a person claimed to have recently seen Elena Katherine Moore, 39 years old.

During a public update, Lexington Police Department Chief Terrence Green reported that the body found matches the clothing description of the missing woman.

However, he clarified that official identification from the forensic doctor is still awaited.

Discovery occurred after a new citizen tip

According to authorities, the search was concentrated in the area of ​​North Lake Drive and Old Cherokee Road after receiving information from a citizen.

Shortly before 3:00 p.m. m., teams located the body in a wooded area.

The Lexington County Medical Examiner's Office later indicated that it was the body of a woman whose clothing matched the description previously released about Moore.

At this time no positive identification has been made nor the cause of death determined.

Authorities reported that an autopsy will be scheduled in the coming days.

Investigation shifts focus as forensic analysis continues

Following the discovery, Lexington Police requested support from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), a state unit specialized in serious crime investigations.

Authorities said the case is now being handled as an active death investigation.

When asked about the possibility of third-party intervention, officials avoided advancing conclusions and reiterated that the analysis remains open.

Moore had been reported missing after family and authorities lost contact with her after leaving a Planet Fitness gym on June 11.

Surveillance cameras later captured her walking through the parking lot of a nearby supermarket and heading toward Old Cherokee Road.

The woman was wearing an olive green zip-up sports jacket and black sports pants.

During the days prior to the discovery, the authorities also indicated that they were investigating changes considered out of the ordinary in his recent behavior and activity on social networks.

For now, investigators are waiting for forensic results before offering new conclusions.