Leah Bellito, a 29-year-old New York woman, was reported missing on Saturday, February 8. Three days later, on February 11, a passerby found a body in the water near Doge Road, East Amherst. Police would then confirm that it was Bellito's body. Currently, authorities are investigating her death.
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The Amherst Police Department reported on Bellito's case on X, confirming that her body was found on Tuesday, February 11, at around 9:55 a.m.
"At the time of her discovery, members of the Amherst Police Emergency Response Team, along with volunteer search groups, were in the vicinity conducting search efforts," the police department wrote.
According to them, no signs of foul play have been found surrounding Bellito's death. Furthermore, the department stated that "there is no apparent danger to the public." Police, however, have asked the public to provide any information related to the case and contact the Amherst Police Department.
"We extend our gratitude to the members of the public who have already assisted, as well as our law enforcement and emergency service partners for their support in this investigation," the statement concluded. "The family of Ms. Bellitto is asking for privacy and there is no further information available at this time."
Rescue Efforts
One day after Leah Bellito was reported missing, the Amherst Police Department posted a missing person media release. Bellito was last seen on foot in the Ransom Oaks neighborhood at around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 8. She was wearing a "black long-sleeve shirt and black pajama pants" at the time, as well as carrying a "blue flower-pattern backpack."
PEOPLE reported that the weather at the time of Belito's disappearance reached -7 degrees. On Tuesday, temperatures reached a freezing -10 degrees.
The news of Bellito's passing has left many heartbroken. Alesha Conte, who joined Bellito's rescue efforts, talked with WKBW.
"Me and my husband and our kids...we live in Amherst and you know it hits you and it hits home when you see this happening in your community," she told the outlet. "And everybody needs help there can't be enough help...with something like this." A resident of Dodge Road, Trisha Tower, called the incident "devastating."
On
Facebook, Nardin Academy posted about Bellito, mourning her death. Bellito was a member of the academy's class of 2015."The entire Nardin community prays for and offers its heartfelt condolences to the Bellitto Family, Leah's friends, and her loved ones," the Nardin Academy wrote. "Our thoughts are with them all."
