Following Allyson Watterson's disappearance on Dec. 22, 2019, police have been searching for new details regarding what could have happened to the 20-year-old. At that time, Watterson had reportedly been on a hike with her boyfriend, Benjamin Garland, near Portland, Oregon. Now, following reports that law enforcement may have recovered her remains, her family is speaking out about the new developments.

According to KATU2, Trevor Macy, a spokesperson for Watterson's family, shared their thoughts in a Facebook group following the recent discovery.

"The past six months have been an endeavor I do not wish for any family to endure. As I am sure many have heard, we met with detectives last night because they believe Allyson has been found at last. However, there is no joy in this outcome, only sadness and loss on a tremendous level," he wrote.

Continuing, the statement added, "We are broken for the moment and there is a space that can never be filled in our lives but she lives on in our hearts. Allyson Joy Watterson - I love you."

The family's comment comes after a property owner discovered a body on Saturday while clearing brush in North Plains, Oregon, which is where Watterson was last seen. According to NBC News, authorities were then called to the scene. Upon arriving, police determined that the remains are likely Watterson's due to the location and evidence that was present.

The Washington County Medical Examiner's office will officially identify the body, but at this time, it remains unclear when the results will be confirmed. Investigators have also not spoken out about whether or not they believe foul play was involved in Watterson's death.

Prior to the discovery of the remains, the investigation into her whereabouts had faced a variety of hurdles. After police suspended the search efforts in late December 2019, her mother, Misty Watterson, spoke to "Dateline" about the 30-hour gap that emerged between when her daughter was seen and the time when she was reported missing by Garland's father, Don Garland. Then, in March, a break in the case came when personal items that reportedly belonged to Allyson were located by a real estate agent.

As for Garland, Oregon Live reported in April that he was sentenced to three years in prison for unrelated crimes after he pleaded guilty to the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, fraudulent use of a credit card and second-degree theft.

crime scene
This is a representational image showing a crime scene tape in Sunset Valley, Texas, on March 20, 2018. Getty Images/Scott Olson
RELATED STORIES