A MUM has mysteriously been found dead on top of a train – nearly 130 miles away from where she first went missing.
The body of 37-year-old Brittany Ritter was discovered by railway workers in a trainyard in Elkhart, Indiana.
The mum-of-two was last seen in the neighbouring state of Ohio, where she was from, in the early hours of September 2.
Worried family members desperately tried reach her – but were unable to get through.
In a frantic appeal, aunt Sherry Straub-Guess said that her niece “left on a bicycle with no money”.
She added: “Her phones are off and going straight to VM [voicemail].
“She has not had medication since last Tuesday so she may be having medical issues.”
The following morning, a Norfolk Southern Railway employee made a heartbreaking discovery.
Brittany was found dead on the roof of a train which had travelled overnight westwards into Indiana.
The exact cause of death is still unclear.
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The local homicide unit in Indiana launched an investigation – before handing the case over to the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio.
One stricken family member said: “We continue seeking the truth of what really happened”.
The sheriff’s office wrote: “Our thoughts are with Brittany’s family, friends, and all those who knew and cared about her.
“We recognize the tremendous grief that comes with news like this and extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
The force said the investigation “remains active” and that no further details would be released at this time.
Heartbreaking tributes to Brittany describe her as a “proud mother of two sons” and a “beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend”.
“Although she struggled with mental health challenges, those who knew her recognized her strength, valued her life, and will remember her with dignity and compassion”, said a statement on a GoFundMe page.
A local news page from Ohio has said that the “nightmare scenario” had “devastated” the entire community.
She leaves behind her two children.