DULUTH — Duluth police believe a body found this week is likely that of a 74-year-old woman who had been missing since last summer.

A passer-by found the body Tuesday in the Lincoln Park neighborhood long a fence and brush line.

Police believe the body is that of Dale Elizabeth Gerard. Family members say Gerard was last seen getting off a bus on July 20, 2013.

Police say it may take several days to confirm the identity. And it may take the St. Louis County medical examiner’s office several weeks to determine the cause and manner of death.