MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities have confirmed the death of 69-year-old Eileen Mandel, who had been missing since Sunday evening, bringing a tragic end to several days of search efforts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Mandel was discovered around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday near a wooded two-track road in Negaunee Township, according to reports from WLUC-TV. Officials stated that foul play is not suspected in her death.

She was reported missing from her Marquette home on Sunday after making concerning statements to her family, which raised fears for her safety. Law enforcement immediately launched a large-scale search led by the Marquette Police Department, with assistance from the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and UPHS-Marquette EMS.

Search teams covered rugged and heavily wooded terrain, using both ground operations and coordinated strategies to maximize coverage in remote areas.

While the cause of death has not been released, authorities continue to review the scene to provide clarity to Mandel’s family and the community.

Her disappearance and passing have underscored both the challenges of searching remote regions in the Upper Peninsula and the importance of timely community involvement when vulnerable individuals go missing. Officials expressed gratitude for the support and vigilance shown by residents during the search.

The Marquette Police Department is expected to provide additional updates as the investigation concludes. For now, the focus remains on offering answers and support to Mandel’s grieving loved ones.