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Family: Severed foot is a match to missing Hunting Park woman

Franchesca Alvarado’s DNA has been matched to a severed foot found inside a shoe at the Jersey shoe, ending the search for the young mother.

THE DNA of a severed foot found inside a shoe at the Jersey Shore is a match to a Philadelphia woman who disappeared last year, her family has confirmed.

The discovery ends the search for Franchesca "Cheka" Alvarado, 22, who traveled to Atlantic City in March 2012 with a friend and was never heard from again. The family confirmed the news Tuesday on a Facebook page created to help find her.

"It is with deep sadness, pain and heartache that we inform you - TEAMCHEKA the loss of our Beloved Sister Franchesca Milagros Alvarado. It has been confirmed from the state of New Jersey that the DNA match Is our Sister," the family wrote.

"We ask that you Please keep us in your prayers as we grieve, but also thank God for our answer regardless of the circumstance. Updates on our Baby Sister's Memorial to follow. We love you and thank you always."

NBC10 reported that Philadelphia police confirmed that the remains were that of Alvarez. The Daily News couldn't reach the detective on the case late last night.

A fisherman found the foot inside the shoe when it washed ashore in August at Corson's Inlet State Park in Ocean City.

Alvarez, the mother of a 3-year-old daughter, was preparing to start classes at Community College of Philadelphia and study criminal justice at the time of her disappearance, the family said. A $25,000 reward was offered for information on her whereabouts.

The friend Alvarado was last seen with told police that Alvarado had said she would travel back to Philadelphia on her own. No charges have been filed in the case. The investigation is ongoing.