Body of Adult Female Discovered in South Skunk River, Authorities Seek Information in Missing Person Investigation

Investigators continued processing the scene where a woman’s body was discovered Tuesday at the Glendale Access.

A Department of Public Safety Press Release

DES MOINES, Iowa — On August 6, 2019, shortly after 3:00 p.m., members of the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of an adult female in the South Skunk River near the Glendale Access. The circumstances that lead to the female entering the river and the cause of her death are under investigation by the Oskaloosa Police Department, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation. The identity of the female is not known at this time. An autopsy, which is schedule to be performed by the Office of the State Medical Examiner, will help to identify the female found in the river.

Law enforcement is aware that on the morning of August 5, 24 year-old Ashley Shafer was reported missing to the Oskaloosa Police Department. The investigation into Ms. Shafter’s disappearance and current location are part of an active missing person investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms. Shafer or with information on the body found in the South Skunk River is asked to call the Mahaska County Communications Center at (641) 672-2557.

Additional information will be released as appropriate.