RCMP in Rocky Mountain House say their investigation into the death of a missing woman from the O’Chiese First Nation this summer has determined she died as a result of injuries sustained from a motor vehicle collision.

Crystal Whitford, 41, was reported missing on July 18 when she was last seen leaving her home around 6:00 p.m., and observed walking on a path in the woods near her home on the O’Chiese First Nation.

Rocky Mountain House RCMP coordinated a search of the area with the assistance of Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue and O’Chiese Fire and Rescue; however, she was not located at the time.

On July 21, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue and Rocky Mountain House RCMP located a deceased female, and tentatively identified the individual as Crystal Whitford.

On Sept. 8, Rocky Mountain House RCMP announced that Donnelly Strawberry, 27, of the O’Chiese First Nation, has been charged with manslaughter.

Mounties say Strawberry was arrested, and after a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, was remanded. He was scheduled to appear in Rocky Mountain House provincial court Sept. 8.

As these matters are now before the courts, RCMP say no further updates will be provided.