WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. – The search for a missing Missouri mother has ended in heartache for a Washington County family.

Donna Eye, who was reported missing on January 11, was found dead Wednesday afternoon near a farm less than half a mile south of Route 8. She was 44.

Ronald Eye, Donna’s brother, had previously told FOX 2 that his sister had a medical condition that would sometimes limit her ability to walk and that she had mental health issues.

Donna had been in a hospital but decided to leave late in the evening on Monday, January 8. Days after Donna’s disappearance, Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen confirmed to FOX 2 that a deputy picked Donna up at the hospital to bring her home.

Jacobsen said Donna gave the deputy her address.

When the deputy arrived at Shirley School Road, Jacobsen said Donna told the deputy to let her out. The deputy let Donna out, thinking it was her brother’s driveway.

Donna’s brother’s driveway is about a mile away from where she was dropped off.

A missing person’s report was not filed until three days later. Eventually, Sheriff Jacobsen requested the help of the Mineral Area Major Case Squad.

On Wednesday, law enforcement received a search warrant for a farm in the 10000 block of Shirley School Road. A resident came up to authorities at the farm and said they’d discovered a body on the adjoining property. Family positively identified the body as Donna Eye.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of Eye’s death. The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to contact the Washington County 911 Center at 573-438-1079.