Hay River RCMP say a missing woman has been found safe.
Delores Deneyoua, 40, was reported missing by her family last Wednesday. She hadn’t been since the previous week when she was visiting Hay River from Fort Simpson.
On Monday morning, police announced that she had been found safe and that their investigation was complete.
No further details will be released out of respect for privacy.
Read: Hay River RCMP Need Help Finding Missing Delores Deneyoua
Despite the fact that Deneyoua was reported safe late last week, police say they have to make personal contact in the case of a missing person to confirm their condition.
“Over the past month RCMP have investigated occurrences of missing people where the public has been engaged through the media to provide information,” said RCMP in a statement.
“During these investigations, tips have been provided regarding contact through texts, social media, and phone calls.
“Questions have been asked by the media and the public as to why police keep files open even after this type of tip has been received.
“RCMP are duty bound to verify all information provided in an investigation. In the case of missing people, the only way to confirm that a missing person is safe, is to make personal contact.”
Police say an investigation could even be hindered if a missing person is reported safe prematurely.
