A tragic incident unfolded in Amherst, New York, when a 29-year-old woman was found dead on Tuesday morning, days after she was reported missing amid freezing temperatures. Leah Bellitto was last seen departing her home, situated about 10 miles from downtown Buffalo, at around 9 p.m. on Saturday. She was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black pajama pants, and carrying a blue backpack with a floral design.
Bellitto was reportedly seen entering the snow-covered woods behind her house, where the temperature had dropped to a frigid 25 degrees. Her family reported her missing on Monday, sparking a comprehensive search throughout the local area.
During the search, barefoot prints and handprints were found near a creek and pond, indicating the possible route Bellitto may have taken. A civilian volunteer eventually discovered Bellitto’s body in a body of water in East Amherst at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday, three days after she vanished.
The Amherst Police Department is currently probing the circumstances surrounding Bellitto’s death. At this point, law enforcement officials do not suspect any foul play and have reassured the public that there is no apparent danger.
The discovery of Bellitto’s body has sent ripples of shock and grief through the local community. A neighbor, Trisha Tower, described the incident as “devastating” and expressed her sorrow over the tragic circumstances. Alesha Conte, a volunteer who participated in the search for Bellitto, emphasized the impact of such an event on the community, stating that it “hits home” when a local resident goes missing.
Tom Chiaramonte, another local resident, joined the search for Bellitto after hearing about her disappearance during the Super Bowl. He expressed his disbelief and sadness upon learning that Bellitto’s body was found so close to his home.
Bellitto was a graduate of Nardin Academy, a private Catholic girls’ school. The school expressed its condolences on Facebook, stating that the entire community was praying for Bellitto’s family and loved ones.