Sisters Who Vanished During Trip to Switzerland Found Dead

TWO sisters who went missing during a trip to Switzerland have been found dead as friends say their final texts "weren't sent by them".

A US diplomat confirmed the deaths of Phoenix sisters Lila Ammouri and Susan Frazier on Saturday.

In a statement, Jill Barwig from the Bureau of Consular Affairs from the State Department said: "We can confirm the death of two U.S. citizens in Switzerland.

"Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we have no further comment at this time."

The sisters arrived in Switzerland on February 5 but never got on their return flight.

One friend told KPHO that Ammouri had texted them using language she wouldn't usually use.

"We have reasons to believe the last two days of communication, the text messages were not sent from them but was sent from their devices," the friend said.

"We are saddened to report we were given confirmation on the passing of our dear friends, Lila and Susan," another friend posted on Facebook after learning about the deaths.

"While we greatly appreciate all of the support that has been shown to us during our search, we ask for privacy for their family and friends while we grieve this terrible loss."

Police are yet to reveal further details about the women's deaths.

Friends and colleagues of the two suspect foul play was involved.

"They were in a very good position of their lives in terms of careers and what they have reached and accomplished, and there is no reason for them to not be returning on their own volition," a friend said.

Both worked in the medical field - Ammouri as a prominent physician and Frazier as a registered nurse.

The sisters took a direct flight from Chicago to Zurich on February 5 and were supposed to fly back on February 13.

Friends and family say it's not clear why the two went to Switzerland in the first place.