A freelance photographer snapped a photo of a boot caught in the D & R canal on Wednesday -- and the photo helped investigators find the body belived to be that of Sarah Majoras, a bartender who had been missing since early Saturday.
The photographer alerted police, and a short time later, search crews recovered what they believe is Majoras' body trapped in the water of that icy canal in Lambertville, New Jersey. The canal was near her home, and investigators believe she would have crossed the canal as she walked home that morning.
"My heart stopped, my entire body froze -- you just kind of know," Amanda, who did not want to use her last name, told NBC10's Rosemary Connors.
Majoras was last seen early Saturday morning, when she left John and Peter's bar in New Hope, Pa. She worked at the bar for more than 15 years.
"This is absolutely devastating for us," said John Larsen, the bar's owner. "This woman was very, very special."
The bar was closed Wednesday night while co-workers and friends who'd been involved in the four-day search for Sarah, began to grieve.
"Our hearts to out to her immediate family and we have friends in here -- we're just trying to wrap our heads around this right now," said Patti Gabriele, the bar manager.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Investigators are working with the Medical Examiner and family to positively identify the body.
"At this time, we do not believe that there is any foul play. There's no evidence of foul play. But we keep an open mind," said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III.
Surveillance photos show Majoras walking home alone that night, but police are investigating all possibilities, especially after receiving a report from another Lambertville woman that she encountered a strange man in the area that night.
People who were close to the popular bartender just want closure.
"She's our friend," Larsen said. "It's not easy. She's family."
