Remains Found Near Lake Ashbaugh Identified as Missing Woman Jessica Paige Kemp

In a heartbreaking update, authorities have confirmed that the remains discovered last week near Lake Ashbaugh belong to Jessica Paige Kemp.

She was a 34-year-old woman who had been missing for over a month. 

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office shared the news on Wednesday after the Arkansas State Crime Lab completed the identification process.  

Jessica Kemp was last seen on May 5 at a campsite west of Lake Ashbaugh, near the small town of Delaplaine. 

According to Sheriff Brad Snyder, her vehicle and personal belongings were later found abandoned in the same area, sparking an intense search effort.  

The breakthrough came on June 9, 205, when a civilian search party and a Greene County detective made the grim discovery. 

A strong odor of decomposition led them to the skeletal remains which was already in an advanced state of decomposition. 

Due to the condition of the body, the Arkansas State Crime Lab was called in to confirm the identity, which they did using forensic analysis.

  

While the identification has been confirmed, many questions remain. 

Sheriff Snyder stated that no additional autopsy details have been released, and the final report could take time. 

The Greene County Coroner’s Office handled transporting the remains to the lab, and the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division assisted in the case, but the Greene County Sheriff’s Department remains the lead agency.  

"This is a tragic outcome for Jessica’s family and the community," Sheriff Snyder told NEA Report

"We’re committed to finding answers, but it’s important to let the process unfold carefully."

Jessica’s disappearance had deeply affected the Delaplaine area, with volunteers and law enforcement working tirelessly to locate her. 

Now, as her family processes this devastating news, many are left wondering what led to her death.  

Authorities have not yet indicated whether foul play is suspected, but the investigation remains active.  

As we wait for more details, one thing is clear: Jessica’s story has touched many. 

If you have any information related to her disappearance, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office urges you to come forward.  

For now, the focus remains on supporting her loved ones and allowing investigators to piece together the final moments of her life.