An investigation is continuing into the death of a 44-year-old woman found dead Tuesday in the scenic Falling Rock area west of Rapid City.

Pennington County Sheriff's Lt. Marty Graves said deputies found the body of Rhonda Larson of Rapid City about 12:30 p.m. in rugged terrain a quarter-mile from the parking area.

An abandoned Toyota Camry was seen in the area at 12:41 a.m. Sunday, but it is common for vehicles to park in the area for extended periods, Graves said. No missing person or vehicle reports had been filed.

After officials contacted the vehicle's registered owner, authorities conducted a more extensive search on Tuesday. The Rapid City fire department and Pennington County Search and Rescue assisted in recovering the body.

The cause of death had not been determined by Wednesday afternoon, and an autopsy had been scheduled.

Several people have died or been injured in falls from the area's rock cliffs, which overlook Rapid Creek as it winds through Dark Canyon.