Danielle Staley, a 35-year-old woman from Holladay, Utah, who was reported missing in California after attending a beach bonfire, was found “safe and uninjured” after two weeks, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff‘s Office (SCSO) said in a post on Facebook Sunday.
Family members had expressed concerns after Staley disappeared on November 6, telling local news outlet KSBW that her boyfriend was “manipulative” and “abusive.”
SCSO said there were no additional details on Staley’s whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance in their post Sunday.
Newsweek reached out to SCSO by email Sunday for more information.
Why It Matters
Staley’s disappearance drew significant attention, both due to the circumstances of her vanishing—her personal belongings found left behind on the beach—and concerns from her family regarding her safety.
The SCSO initially stated that Staley “may be at risk, and foul play may be involved,” heightening public concern and prompting a multi-agency search effort that spanned more than two weeks.
What To Know
Staley was last seen near Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California, late in the evening on November 6, after reportedly attending a bonfire with a group.
She failed to return to the van where she had been staying, and her belongings—including a purse and backpack—were discovered on or near a lifeguard stand, SCSO said in an earlier press release.
Her family emphasized that she regularly kept in contact and said that her sudden lack of communication was “out of character,” KSBW reported.
Law enforcement responded by searching the coastline with drones, requesting surveillance footage from the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, and directly appealing to the public for assistance, according to a report from KSL.
Family members raised alarms about Staley’s relationship with her boyfriend, Alx Nunez, describing it as abusive and manipulative. Her mother, April Miller, told media outlets that she and her family had been concerned for years.
Staley had been traveling with Nunez at the time of her disappearance, but Nunez was not at the bonfire and said he woke to find her missing. According to law enforcement and news reports, Nunez cooperated with investigators, had his van searched, and underwent multiple interviews. He was not named as a suspect.
On November 23, the SCSO reported that Staley was located “safe and uninjured” and expressed gratitude to the community for their aid.
Staley’s family also confirmed that she had contacted them and that relatives were traveling to reunite with her in California. “WE FOUND HER!!!” Staley’s sister wrote on a GoFundMe campaign that helped cover expenses for the search effort.
What People Are Saying
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook Sunday: “Danielle Staley has been located and is safe and uninjured. Additional details are not available at this time. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the community and to everyone who provided information and assisted in the search for Danielle. We truly appreciate it and are very pleased she was located and is safe.”
Airica Staley, sister of Danielle Staley, via GoFundMe campaign update Sunday: “WE FOUND HER!!! Thank you to everyone for your support! We could not have done this without your love and kindness!”
Alx Nunez, boyfriend of Danielle Staley, told KSBW after the disappearance: “I’m not stopping until I find her, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here.”
What Happens Next
The SCSO has indicated that the investigation remains open, with few details available regarding the circumstances of Staley’s disappearance and recovery.
Authorities have not disclosed where she was found or the reasons she may have left.
Law enforcement continues to request that anyone with additional information or surveillance footage from the area in question between November 5 and November 7 contact them at 831-471-1121
Relatives have begun making arrangements for Staley’s safe return, and although Staley has reestablished contact with family, further public statements are pending.
No criminal charges or further investigative updates have been announced as of publication.
