An eight-month search for a missing Abbotsford woman ended Wednesday when authorities located her body, bringing closure to a case that began in mid-December and drew searches through one of the city's most visited natural areas.
Search centred on local park after vehicle found
Thirty-three-year-old Sonam Ramola was first reported missing on Dec. 17, 2025, after her vehicle was discovered near Tall Road and Riverside Street, close to the Mission Bridge. An extensive search of Matsqui Trail Regional Park followed that night and in the days afterwards, but Ramola could not be located.
The Abbotsford Police Department confirmed on Aug. 26 that officers had located Ramola's body. In a media statement, Sgt. Paul Walker said the death has not been deemed suspicious and the force extended its condolences.
“On behalf of AbbyPD, we extend our sincere condolences to Sonam’s family, friends, and all those affected by this loss.”
Timeline and local impact
The discovery ends months of uncertainty for family, friends and residents who followed the search efforts. The case drew attention at the time because of the park search and the vehicle found near the Mission Bridge — areas frequented by residents for recreation and commuting.
- Dec. 17, 2025 — Ramola reported missing; vehicle found near Tall Road and Riverside Street.
- Dec. 17, 2025 onward — Extensive search of Matsqui Trail Regional Park conducted.
- Aug. 26, 2026 — Authorities located Ramola's body; death not considered suspicious.
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 17, 2025 | Vehicle found near Tall Road and Riverside Street; Ramola reported missing |
| Dec. 17, 2025–Aug. 26, 2026 | Search efforts focused on Matsqui Trail Regional Park and surrounding areas |
| Aug. 26, 2026 | Authorities locate Ramola's body; death not deemed suspicious |
For many Abbotsford residents, Matsqui Trail Regional Park is a familiar landscape: a corridor of trails, river access and green space that draws walkers, cyclists and families. The presence of a prolonged police search there in December would have been a visible reminder of the case for regular park users and neighbours.
Police communication and next steps
The Abbotsford Police Department’s public statement did not provide details about the location where the body was found, nor did it release information about any ongoing investigative steps. Sgt. Walker’s message was brief and focused on offering condolences.
Because the police have said the death is not considered suspicious, there is no public indication of criminality tied to the case. That determination typically means investigators do not suspect foul play, but it does not always preclude further inquiries, such as a coroner’s examination to establish cause of death and other formal findings.
Community members and anyone with additional information about the case are ordinarily encouraged to contact the Abbotsford Police Department. The department has frequently relied on tips from the public in missing-persons investigations; however, the police statement associated with the Aug. 26 announcement did not ask for further public assistance.
As the city absorbs the news, neighbours and regular users of the riverfront park may reflect on how public safety, search capacity and community support intersect when someone goes missing. The conclusion of an eight-month search is likely to bring mixed feelings of relief and sorrow to those who watched the story unfold.
The Abbotsford Police Department’s statement closed with an expression of sympathy. For Ramola’s family and friends, the period of unanswered questions has come to an end; for the broader community, the case is a stark reminder of the personal tragedies that can occur close to home.
