Spa where Carlee Russell worked ‘ecstatic’ over safe return, addresses rumors

Spa where Carlee Russell worked ‘ecstatic’ over safe return, addresses rumors

The owner of the spa where Carlee Russell worked addressed rumors circulating on social media about potential reasons for her disappearance.

Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student who returned to her Hoover home Saturday night after disappearing, worked part time at Woodhouse Spa at the Summit shopping center in Birmingham.

Spa owner Stuart Rome on Tuesday issued a statement to Birmingham-area media outlets after he said they received many inquiries in recent days.

“Our greatest concern has always been the well-being of Carlee and her safe return,’’ Rome said.

“Woodhouse Spa employees have been deeply impacted by the events that transpired but are now ecstatic with the news of Carlee’s return home.”

“Our employees worked extremely hard through very tough times keeping guests happy while dealing with the fact that their co-worker was missing,’’ he said.

“We’ve been working with the Hoover Police Department since Friday morning, the morning following Carlee’s disappearance, in order to come up with any information that would help the investigation.”

Rome said everything they uncovered is in the possession of the Hoover Police Department.

“We understand the investigation is in a very sensitive state and do not want to release any details that could jeopardize the investigation,’’ Rome said.

“Leaks, both true and untrue, can have a devastating impact on any investigation,’’ he said. “We understand there are many posts on social media claiming certain information to be true.”

“Some items are factual while others are not,’’ Rome said.

Rome went on to say Hoover police are working around the clock to bring the case to a close.

“We have great confidence in the investigators and expect a resolution soon,’’ he said.

Police have not yet released any updates Tuesday but previously said they are continuing to retrace the Russell’s steps to determine where she was from Thursday night until Saturday night.

Her parents say she was abducted and fought for her life.