Missing Tampa Girl’s Body Found In Park

TAMPA, FL — A 10-day search for a 17-year-old Tampa girl ended at Flatwoods Park on Friday morning with an announcement from Police Chief Eric Ward that Hailey Acierno’s body had been recovered.

Hailey's body was found about 2 miles from her home, Ward said, in a wooded area in the park. "It's a very difficult process for us," Ward said. "Our ultimate goal was to reunite her with her family."

Ward said no foul play is suspected in the girl's death. "We believe she took her own life," Ward said. A final determination will be made by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office.

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Police and other local law enforcement officers began focusing their search for Hailey on the 5,400-acre Thonotosassa park on Thursday. The girl, who was last seen by her family on March 28, was known to spend time there, police explained. Tampa police were joined by law enforcement officers from Hillsborough, Pasco and Sarasota counties in addition to members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

"It's a very tragic incident," Ward said, thanking everyone who took part in the search. "(We ask) that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

It is unclear how long it will take for a final determination to be made regarding a cause of death. No further information is being released at this time.

News of Hailey's disappearance rocked communities across Hillsborough and Pasco counties. A vigil in her honor was held earlier this week at St. Mark's Evangelist Catholic Church in New Tampa. Steve and Tiffany Yerrid of the Yerrid Law Firm stepped forward days ago with a $25,000 reward. Clear Channel Outdoors and ACME On The Go both pitched in to help spread the word about the search, as well.

With an estimated 42,000 deaths attributed to suicide annually, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists this as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services, including a live chat.

Photo courtesy of the Tampa Police Department