The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has reported that the body of Zyanya Valora, an Ojai Valley resident missing for over a year, was found on Wednesday, September 24.
According to the sheriff's office, a local conservancy group removing invasive plants from the Ventura Riverbed found skeletal remains. Two days later, on September 26, the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that the remains belonged to Valora. The examiner found no clear signs of injury and had not yet determined the cause of death.
Valora was last seen by her family on the evening of June 24, 2024, at their home in Mira Monte, a community in the Ojai Valley. She was 21 years old when she went missing. While searching for the woman, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams followed Valora’s scent to a location near the Oak View Community Center, roughly a mile south of her home.
The local community came together to show support in the comments section of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Instagram post.
"I’m glad she was found, unfortunately not the outcome they were all praying for but I hope it bring her family some peace," said one commenter. Another person said, "I looked for her everytime I'd drive around. Prayers for the family."
"I hope she can rest peacefully. My condolences to her loved ones," said a third person.
On Monday, September 29, a message was posted on the “Find Zyanya Valora” Facebook page, written in both English and Spanish:
"It is with heavy hearts that we share that Zyanya has been found deceased. Over the past 15 months, this community has shown incredible compassion and dedication in our search for Zyanya. On behalf of her family we wanted to express deep gratitude to this community, to the search teams, and everyone who supported and stood by them during these long months. Your love and hope have meant everything.
As her loved ones process this information, we kindly ask for privacy during this time of grief. We will share information about services when arrangements are made. Thank you for your understanding and for the incredible love you’ve shared."