HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, AR - "I just feel for the family. I really do,” Lt. Ricky Middleton of the Hot Springs Village Police department said. “They lost a great person and I hope they get some closure."
Mother of three and police dispatcher Dawna Natzke disappeared almost two weeks ago. Police have confirmed that the
body found in the Oauchita National Forest on December 31 is hers.
"Great person,” Lt. Middleton said. “Always laughing. Very cheerful, and she'll just be truly missed."
Natzke has worked for Lt. Middleton since 2004. He says the whole disappearance and search process has been tough. Natzke's boyfriend saw her last after leaving a Christmas party on December 21st. Since then, the US Forest Service found Natzke's burnt car in the woods off of Highway 298.
Rescue teams then searched for her by horseback and through the air.
Now, Hot Springs Village Police know for sure that their coworker and friend is gone.
"It has hit each one of us in its own way,” Lt. Middleton said. “It’s tough. It really is, when you're searching for a friend. It’s tough."
