Burford woman found dead near river after 10 days missing

Caroline Heininger, 66, was reported missing from Burford on Wednesday, August 5, after being spotted walking down a road in the West Oxfordshire village at about 5.30am.

A huge effort to find her was undertaken by the emergency services, with Thames Valley Police deploying around 200 officers and the National Police Air Service sending out multiple helicopters to assist in the search, alongside Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.

But the search was brought to a tragic conclusion on Saturday, August 15, as police officers discovered a body believed to be Ms Heininger by the River Windrush.

Missing woman Caroline Heininger, 66, has sadly been found dead (Image: Thames Valley Police)

A spokesperson for the force said: “We have some very sad news to bring you. Officers searching for a missing woman, Caroline from Burford, have sadly found a body near to the River Windrush, Burford this morning.

“The discovery was made following extensive searches by our officers and volunteers from Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.

“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe the body to be that of Caroline, aged 66.

“Her next of kin has been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

“We would like to that the community who came together to share the appeals for Caroline. We would also like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for their support in assisting our officers with searches since Caroline was reported missing.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM coroner.”

Hundreds of people responded to the three public appeal Thames Valley Police made for information on the missing woman’s whereabouts, which was shared widely on social media and inspired local groups to organise search parties.

National Police Air Service helicopters were deployed to assist in the urgent search (file photo) (Image: NPAS)

During the course of the search, Ms Heininger’s family released a message to those looking for her.

They said: “Caroline is loved dearly by her husband, children, dog (Archie) and her many friends. We are all willing her safe return home.

“We would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the search efforts so far and would encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”

Messages of condolence have since been posted on social media in response to the tragic news.

Ms Heininger was last seen and pictured by CCTV on the A40 opposite Burford Lodge in Burford at around 5.27am on August 5, but the police did not report any further sightings of her in the 10 days she was missing.

Urgent efforts to find her included extensive rural searches and enquiries across a wide area, CCTV enquiries and the review of information provided by locals, and collaboration with specialist volunteers from Lowland Rescue.