Misty Upham's Family Confirms Actress Dead, Found In Woods: Meryl Streep Reacts
A spokeswoman and the family of actress Misty Upham have confirmed the death of the 32-year-old actress. Her body was found in a wooded area in Auburn, Washington Thursday Oct. 16 after Upham was missing for eight days.
The Auburn Police have confirmed to media outlets that the body was discovered in a wooded area, "at the bottom of a 150 [ft.] embankment near the White River." According to the Auburn PD, "a purse containing identification of Misty Upham was at the scene... [no] determination of cause of death."
After a week of frustration from the family stating that the Auburn Police Department was less then helpful in the process of finding missing Upham- who was revealed to be struggling with mental illness, depression and suicidal behavior. Family friend and local filmmaker, Tracy Rector, told The Hollywood Reporter, " [Auburn Police] refused to help. When she disappeared on Oct. 5, the family knew something was seriously wrong- it was out of character for her to be gone so long without being in touch and they repeatedly went to the police, who insisted there was no cause for concern."
As MStars reported last week, the actress went missing on October 5th after leaving her sister's apartment in Muckleshoot, Washington.
Police previously stated that they have arrived on the scene at the apartment numerous times over the past year regarding apparent suicide attempts. Upham's parent's confirmed that the actress was on medication for a mental illness. Her father, Charles Upham stated that his daughter suffered from bipolar disorder and was off her medication-which ultimately left him to believe she was suicidal.
The actress played Johnna Monevata, a housekeeper in the Oscar-nominated film August: Osage Country, starring Meryl Streep. She was also in the new film with Jennifer Aniston, Cake.
Streep told THR, "So so sad to hear this news... All our thoughts are with her family and with her beautiful spirit."