The death of the Hesperia teenager, whose body was found in an aqueduct, led to suicide

The death of a 16-year-old Hesperia girl whose body was discovered in an aqueduct near her home was ruled a suicide by coroner’s investigators this week.

Rebecca Gutierrez had been missing for a week when divers pulled her body from the California Aqueduct on Tuesday, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials.

Investigators determined the death was a suicide through an autopsy, according to coroner’s records.

She was last seen at her family’s home on Honeysuckle Avenue the night of Nov. 11 and last had contact with family the next day, according to a sheriff’s department. statement.

Family and friends launched a massive search for the missing teen.

A online fundraiser set up to help the family with funeral costs had raised more than $7,000 in donations in less than a day as the community rallied around Gutierrez’s grieving loved ones.

“This world has lost an amazing person,” Patricia Cisneros wrote in a statement accompanying the fundraiser. “We appreciate everyone who assisted us as we searched for her. We appreciate those of you who checked in, sent flowers and brought food to the family home.”

Anyone with information was urged to contact Hesperia Police at (760) 947-1500, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Information can also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.

More: Body of missing 16-year-old Hesperia girl Rebecca Gutierrez found in aqueduct

Anyone experiencing hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm can contact the Suicide and Crisis Hotline by calling 988.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: The death of the Hesperia teenager whose body was found in an aqueduct led to suicide