Police investigate whether body found in La Palma is 34-year-old missing woman
The National Police are investigating whether a mummified body discovered in a remote area of La Palma could belong to Natalia Hernández Martínez, a 34-year-old woman from Madrid who disappeared after arriving on the island in October 2022.
The remains were found on Monday by a hunter in the Los Pajaritos ravine, an isolated and difficult-to-access area of the island. According to local newspaper El Día, the body has been confirmed as being that of a woman.
The National Police Homicide Unit is now working to establish her identity and determine whether it is Natalia Hernández, who has been missing for more than three years.
Establishing the time of death is key
One of the most important steps in the investigation will be determining the date of death. Forensic experts from the Institute of Legal Medicine in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will analyse the remains to establish whether the timeframe is compatible with Natalia’s disappearance.
Natalia arrived at La Palma Airport on 24th October 2022, having travelled from Tenerife. She was due to start a new job in the entertainment department of a hotel in Fuencaliente, in the south of the island. She never arrived at the hotel and was reported missing shortly afterwards.
Security cameras at La Palma Airport recorded Natalia at around 7pm, walking towards the baggage claim area. However, she never collected her suitcase. From that moment onwards, there were no further confirmed sightings of her.
DNA tests and autopsy planned
Police will also carry out DNA comparisons between the remains and close relatives of people who have disappeared on La Palma in recent years. An autopsy is scheduled to take place in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Tenerife-based criminologist Félix Ríos explained that the location where the body was found is approximately 15 kilometres from the airport, using tracks and rural paths. He stated that the journey could be completed on foot in around three and a half to four hours, highlighting the challenging terrain of the area.
Disappearance case previously closed
Natalia’s disappearance was originally investigated by the Guardia Civil. However, due to a lack of evidence or significant progress, the case was provisionally closed one year later.
Before travelling to La Palma, Natalia had been working at a campsite in La Laguna, Tenerife. After suffering a health issue one night, she was asked to leave the site. A man accompanied her to Tenerife North Airport. The same individual is believed to have filed the official missing person report in November 2022.
Ongoing investigation
At this stage, police have not confirmed the identity of the body. Investigators stress that all possibilities remain open until forensic and DNA results are completed.
The case has once again attracted attention across the Canary Islands, particularly among residents and visitors concerned about safety and unresolved missing person cases.
Further updates are expected once official forensic results are released.
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