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Toronto police say a body located along a hiking trail in East York is believed to be a 45-year-old woman who went missing on Sunday night.

Police said Stella Wong was last seen around 7 p.m. hiking near Crothers Woods trail at Redway Road and Millwood Road.

Authorities said the woman was located by officers just after 9 a.m. on Monday.

Shortly after 9 a.m. this morning, uniform officers located the body of a female, which we believe at this time to be Stella Wong,” Insp. Anthony Paoletta told reporters at the scene on Monday afternoon.

“At this point in time, investigators at the division are conducting an investigation. The scene has been secured and officers are searching the area for evidence.”

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Stella Wong, 45, reported missing in East York on Dec. 23, 2018. Toronto Police Service/handout

Investigators said the woman, who was familiar with the trail, was with a male companion when they became separated.

“That individual spent some time looking for Stella yesterday evening and ultimately reported her missing to the police,” Paoletta said.

“Since that time, that individual has been co-operating with investigators and providing information to the police to deal with this search.”

Police said they don’t believe the companion to be a suspect at this time. They also said there doesn’t appear to be any evidence of foul play.

“There is nothing that would indicate there is any trauma [to the body],” Paoletta said.

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Police said they were concerned for her safety due to the temperature outdoors and the terrain.

“It was relatively colder yesterday evening and given the general terrain here, it’s very unstable. There is a railway track as well as a ravine that runs through here,” Paoletta said at the start of the search on Monday.

Police said Wong’s body was located near a river close to the Don Valley Parkway and Don Mills Road. Authorities did not reveal the cause of death.

The marine unit was dispatched to the area early Monday to help with the search efforts. A coroner’s van was also visible at the scene.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police at 416-808-5300.

#BREAKING Christmas Eve tragedy: Police confirm the body of 45 yr old Stella Wong has been found in this wooded area in east York. Police have towed away a green Honda. Wong was last seen by a male companion around 7pm. Police say he is cooperating. pic.twitter.com/CDqd8nlSb2 — Jamie Mauracher (@JamieMauracher) December 24, 2018

The coroner has now left the scene near the DVP and Don mills but it appears they have left without removing a body. Not clear why or why they left. — Marianne Dimain (@MDimainGlobal) December 24, 2018

Search brought out Marine unit which has taped off area along the trail along river where ambulance and fire truck also on standby pic.twitter.com/ItC2LqZ1Ko — Marianne Dimain (@MDimainGlobal) December 24, 2018

Police gathering by command post to search for missing Stella Wong last seen yesterday evening while hiking on Carruthers trail in Leaside with a companion. The pair separated on the trail and Wong hasn’t been seen since. She was familiar with these trails and hiked them before pic.twitter.com/Nb6IGDw5Gx — Marianne Dimain (@MDimainGlobal) December 24, 2018

MISSING:

Stella Wong, 45.

LS at 7pm, Crothers Woods trail, near Redway Rd,

She is 5'5', w black hair, slim build.

wearing a purple coat, blk legging, brown boots.

We are very concerned for her safety,

Anyone w info pls cl. @TPS53Div

4168085300 #GO2350514^adc pic.twitter.com/EaOr0N7olm — Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) December 24, 2018