The search for a missing 23-year-old DeBary woman ended in a Deltona lake Saturday.
Friends and family of Ashley Laufer had a hard time holding back the flood of emotions when they realized she was no longer missing.
Laufer's body was found floating in Dupont Lake by a fisherman, which is near the corner of Elkham and Howland boulevards in Deltona.
"This morning we drove by here and we seen the things, the police cars and stuff before anybody, it was like 7 probably 8 o'clock and I already had a feeling," said Laufer's friend, Anthony Laird.
Sheriff’s deputies began searching for Laufer after she was reported missing by her family Wednesday night.
Her family told detectives she had a medical condition and needed to take her medication.
Laird says Laufer always stayed in contact with her mother, that it was highly unusual for Laufer not to check in regularly with her family.
"She's a sweetheart, I couldn’t imagine, bad things happen to good people all the time," said Laird.
According to sheriff's investigators, Laufer was last seen fleeing the Lowe's store on Howland Boulevard in Deltona.
Detectives believe security footage showed Laufer shoplifting inside the store.
Lowe's is a short distance from Dupont Lake.
Right now detectives do not know the exact cause of death. They do not believe there was any foul play, but the county's medical examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to find out exactly how Laufer died.
Grieving loved ones of Ashley Laufer near Dupont Lake where her body was found. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (Saul Saenz, Staff)