A California woman was found dead on a highway Thursday, days after her husband reported her missing. Lisa Culp, a 53-year-old resident of San Bernardino County, was identified as the victim of a hit-and-run incident, according to the Chino Police Department.
Culp reportedly left his home in the early hours of October 4, as stated in a press release. Her husband contacted authorities around 9:13 a.m. that day to report her missing. Police immediately began contacting his family and friends and checking local jails and hospitals. They later located his silver 2001 Mercedes Benz sedan near the Central Ave exit of Highway 60 in Ontario, CA, but Culp was not with the vehicle, which appeared to have been abandoned.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the area and observed Culp leaving a gas station near his vehicle in the early morning hours of Oct. 4, heading north on Central Avenue. Despite extensive searches of the area, including checking local hotels, no sign of Culp was found, he reported. daily mail.
The search intensified on October 5 when police discovered additional surveillance footage. They deployed drones, all-terrain vehicles and agents on foot, expanding the search perimeter. During this expanded search, officers found the body of a deceased woman on the highway. Authorities reported that the body showed signs of having been involved in a traffic collision.
The body was transported to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office, where it was confirmed to be Lisa Culp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has since launched a hit-and-run investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Police stated that while the investigation into Culp’s disappearance continues, there is no indication that a crime has been committed at this time. “The facts and circumstances surrounding Culp’s disappearance remain under investigation; however, no foul play is suspected at this time,” the police statement read.
Culp’s niece Lana paid tribute to her aunt on Facebook, posting a photo and writing, “We love you Aunt Lisa.” He also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped in the search and to those who offered prayers for his family.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the hit-and-run or Culp’s disappearance to come forward. For information about the disappearance, people are encouraged to contact Chino Police Detective Barber at 909-334-3144. Witnesses to the possible hit-and-run are asked to contact the California Highway Patrol at 909-980-3994.