Misty Upham found dead near Seattle after going missing for 10 days
Misty Upham was found dead in a ravine near Seattle, a family spokeswoman has confirmed.
Actress Misty Upham, 32, known for roles in August: Osage County and Django Unchained, had been missing since October 6.
Her body was found following a search of the area by friends and family. Her father, Charles Upham, confirmed her identity to the authorities.
Misty Upham was understood to have suffered from bipolar disorder.
Police Commander Steve Stocker said there was presently no evidence or information “to believe there is foul play.”
At the time of her disappearance, Misty Upham’s father expressed concern that the actress was off her medication and may have been suicidal.
However, film-maker Tracy Rector – a long-time friend and spokesperson for the family, said: “The family has stated that, after seeing the body, they still do not feel that Misty Upham committed suicide.”
The body was found by a family member during a search of the area on October 16. A purse with identification belonging to Misty Upham was reportedly found at the scene.
Tracy Rector suggested there was hostility between local police and the Native American community who live on the Muckleshoot reservation, where Misty Upham had been staying.
“The family wants everyone to know that the Auburn police did not help with this situation at all. They refused to help. When she disappeared on October 5, the family knew something was seriously wrong – it was out of character for her to be gone so long without being in touch – and they repeatedly went to the police, who insisted there was no cause for concern,” she told the Hollywood Reporter.
Actress Juliette Lewis tweeted that Misty Upham “spoke out a lot against injustices within the Native community. And had known enemies. Police must do an investigation”.
Juliette Lewis later tweeted: “I can’t sleep. Too much darkness. I feel so sad about Misty. I know she has more to say. And about how she died.”
Misty Upham, who played the housekeeper in the 2013 film August: Osage County with Meryl Streep, bemoaned the fact that, as a Native American, she was typically cast as “a maid, or a prisoner”.