Kathleen Griffin, Missing Nevada Woman, Found Dead In Her Van in California

A woman reported missing in Nevada has been found dead in a van in California.

The body of Kathleen 'Kathy' Griffin, 48, was discovered by deputies on Thursday near Keddie in Plumas County. Griffin was reported missing in Reno, Nevada on Tuesday.

Police had previously noted that Griffin may be suffering from a mental episode and could be driving a Dodge V25 van, which had "Junkee Clothing Exchange" written on the side of it.

"Missing and Endangered: Regional law enforcement officers are asking for the public's help in finding 49-year-old Kathleen Griffin," Washoe Sheriff's Office Tweeted. "Kathleen is 5-feet tall and approximately 95 pounds."

Subsequent tweets went into a greater description of Griffin, including her distinctive tattoos and mental state.

"Kathleen may be suffering from a mental episode and experiencing confusion, loss of memory and altered sense of reality.

"The WCSO is helping to get the word out on this Reno Police case. If you see Kathleen, or have information please call RPD at (775) 334-COPS."

Griffin's body was discovered in her van on Highway 70 and Old Highway near Keddie, the Plumas County Sheriff's Office said in a January 27 press release.

They noted that authorities did not believe the death was suspicious but did not confirm what the cause of death was.

"Just after 2 p.m. today, a Deputy with our office was contacted by a CHP Officer who requested the Deputies assistance with investigating a report of a suspicious van," it was stated in the press release.

"Two Deputies and two CHP Officers responded to the area of Highway 70 and Old Highway near Keddie.

"Upon arrival, they located the Dodge van belonging to Kathleen "Kathy" Griffin of Reno, NV, who had previously been reported missing out of Reno."

Police discovered a small fire in the rear compartment of the van. After the fire was extinguished deputies found a body matching the description of Griffin. Plumas County Sheriff's Office investigators confirmed it was Griffin when they arrived at the scene.

"A complete autopsy will be performed by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death," the statement continued.

"We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Kathleen and will do everything we can to help support them through this difficult time."

Newsweek has contacted Plumas County Sheriff's Office for comment.