Visitor missing in Zapata Falls area

UPDATE: Body recovered

ALAMOSA COUNTY — Search and rescue personnel from multiple counties are expected to continue the search this morning for a missing visitor to the Zapata Falls area.

Selene Jara, 29, was last seen Sunday afternoon about 1:30 p.m. on the trail to Zapata Lake. According to Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson, Jara was hiking Sunday afternoon above Zapata Falls and headed towards Zapata Lake with her husband, who is from Antonito, and two daughters.

“They got tired and went back. She went on up to the lake. That’s the last they saw of her,” Sheriff Jackson said.

Searchers had not found any sign of the missing woman by late Monday evening, April 30. Jackson said aircraft have been involved in the search including an aircraft with infrared capabilities. Winds have caused some problems with being able to use aircraft earlier in the day on Monday, however, he added.

Many members of the Alamosa County Search & Rescue group have been involved in the search as well as volunteers from Custer County, Chaffee County and Rio Grande County. Assistance from Pueblo is expected today.

Jackson said the search has involved the area around the falls, the lake and the Zapata subdivision.

Jackson said the missing woman is from Mexico and not used to the Valley’s altitude. She also does not speak English, and most of her family does not speak English. Members of the search teams who are Spanish speaking are communicating with the family.

Jackson said temperatures at night have not been warm enough for someone not prepared to spend the night in the elements. Jara was wearing a light colored shirt under a black outfit. She is slight built, about 5’3” and about 110 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with any information that could aid in the search is urged to call dispatch at 719-589-5807.

5/2/18 UPDATE: Jara's body was recovered on Tuesday.