Barefoot Tracks in the Snow Lead to Heartbreaking Discovery: Missing East Amherst Woman, 29-Year-Old Leah Bellitto, Found Dead in Icy Creek After Mysterious Disappearance

East Amherst, NY – A devastating end to a frantic search: 29-year-old Leah Bellitto, who vanished into the freezing night with no shoes and minimal clothing, has been found dead in a body of water, leaving her family, friends, and the entire community grappling with unanswered questions.

Bellitto, last seen alive on the night of Monday, February 5, 2025, had left her home in only black pajama pants and a floral backpack, braving the brutally cold temperatures of upstate New York. As search teams combed the area for any sign of her, eerie clues began to surface—barefoot footprints in the snow, handprints on a fence, and a single glove near a creek—before the tragic discovery of her lifeless body.

A Desperate Search in Freezing Conditions

Bellitto’s family reported her missing early Tuesday morning when she failed to return home. With temperatures plunging well below freezing, concern mounted rapidly, prompting an urgent community-wide search.

Law enforcement officials, along with dozens of local volunteers, scoured the residential streets, wooded areas, and frozen waterways of East Amherst. Among them was Tom Chiaramonte, a local resident who stumbled upon a crucial clue—Bellitto’s floral backpack discarded near his property.

“As soon as I saw the backpack, my heart sank. We knew we were close, but we were all hoping for a miracle,” Chiaramonte said, recalling the moment he called police to alert them.

Following this breakthrough, searchers began carefully examining the area near Tonawanda Creek, a spot known for its deep, frigid waters and treacherous ice. Tragically, their worst fears were confirmed when Bellitto’s lifeless body was discovered partially submerged in the creek, frozen in place by the brutal cold.

Clues and Unanswered Questions

While investigators have ruled out foul play, several haunting questions remain:

• Why was Leah barefoot in subzero temperatures?
• Did she wander off in distress, or was she trying to reach somewhere specific?
• Was this an accident, a case of hypothermia-induced confusion, or something more?

The eerie trail of barefoot tracks in the snow, found zigzagging through the neighborhood before leading toward the creek, suggests she may have been disoriented. Experts note that severe hypothermia can cause paradoxical undressing, where victims experience an illusion of warmth and begin shedding their clothes.

Authorities are awaiting the official autopsy report, which will determine Bellitto’s exact cause of death.

Community in Mourning

The loss of Leah Bellitto has sent shockwaves through East Amherst. Friends describe her as a kind, creative, and deeply compassionate person who always went out of her way to help others.

“She was the kind of person who made everyone feel important,” said longtime friend Jessica Malone. “This just doesn’t make sense. She deserved so much more.”

A candlelight vigil is being organized outside the St. Mary’s Church on Friday evening to honor Bellitto’s life. Community members have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her grieving family with funeral expenses.

Authorities Urge Awareness and Mental Health Support

While Bellitto’s death is still under investigation, authorities are urging greater awareness of mental health struggles, seasonal depression, and the dangers of exposure in extreme cold.

“Hypothermia can disorient a person, making them feel warm when they are freezing to death,” said forensic expert Dr. Michael Radcliffe. “It’s a terrifying condition that can cause confusion, irrational decision-making, and tragic outcomes like this.”

Local officials are also stressing the importance of checking in on loved ones, especially during winter months.

“If you notice someone acting strangely, don’t ignore it,” said Sheriff Timothy Howard. “Something as simple as making a call could save a life.”

Final Farewell

As the East Amherst community grieves this tragic and deeply mysterious loss, Leah Bellitto’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Her family, shattered but holding onto love, has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“We just want people to remember Leah’s light, her kindness, and the love she gave so freely,” said her mother, Carol Bellitto. “We’ll never stop missing her.”

For now, all that remains are the footprints in the snow—a chilling reminder of a life lost too soon and the questions that may never be answered.

Rest in peace, Leah. 💔