The body of a missing woman was found near the Irving Nature Park in west Saint John Tuesday, following an extensive air, ground and sea search that began overnight.

Dr. Louise Klipin, a local psychiatrist, was reported missing Monday night.

Her husband, Tony Klipin, is "devastated by the loss of his loving partner and collaborator," friend Jeff McAloon said in a statement to CBC News on his behalf.

"As a mental health advocate, Tony encourages anyone who is depressed or in distress to reach out for help," said McAloon, president and CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of death, Sgt. Jay Henderson of Saint John Police Force's major crime unit said in a statement.

No other details have been released.

The Irving Nature Park in west Saint John was closed early Monday night. Around noon Tuesday, searchers found a woman's body nearby. (Brian Chisholm/CBC)

Klipin's last known location Monday was in the proximity of the Irving Nature Park, located along the Bay of Fundy.

An extensive search was conducted Monday night and resumed early Tuesday, involving members of the Canadian Coast Guard, Ground Search and Rescue, an aerial drone, Saint John police and the force's canine unit.

Her body was recovered around noon.

Searchers looked along the shoreline and the boardwalk. (Brian Chisholm/CBC)

Motorists trying to reach the popular recreation area were turned away Tuesday morning at a roadblock set up at Saints Rest beach by J.D. Irving Ltd. employees. Orange pylons and an Irving company truck were across the road.

The park confirmed it closed early Monday night and remained closed because of an incident.

A helicopter registered to Forest Patrol Ltd., a JDI company, could be seen circling the area, and a Canadian Coast Guard vessel patrolled the shoreline.

Volunteer search crews looked along the shoreline and in the woods next to the boardwalk.

A forest patrol helicopter was also on the scene. (Brian Chisholm/CBC)

In the statement, Tony Klipin thanked everyone involved in the search, "who gave their time and incredible support over a very difficult 24 hours."

"Their professionalism and kindness are exceptional."

Klipin said he also appreciates those who have reached out with "condolences, kind words and memories" of his wife.