A 35-year-old Utah woman who vanished from a beach bonfire in California has been located safe and uninjured after a three-week disappearance that left her family desperate for answers.
The Mysterious Disappearance
Danielle Staley was last seen on November 6 at approximately 11:30pm at a bonfire gathering on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California. The Utah native disappeared without informing friends or family, leaving behind her personal belongings including her purse and backpack.
Her sudden vanishing triggered an extensive search operation along California's Central Coast, with law enforcement expressing concern that she 'may be at risk, and foul play may be involved' according to a November 9 news release from the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office.
Family's Emotional Relief
Staley's stepfather, Slade Holtry, shared the family's overwhelming relief upon learning she was safe. 'We just want to hang out as a family and rejoice. We're so relieved. I'm going to eat my first real meal in two weeks,' he told KUTV 2 News.
Holtry credited media coverage with directly leading to his stepdaughter's discovery. 'That's the only way we found her. Somebody saw the news and told her she was all over the news, and she contacted the sheriff's department,' he explained.
The family had established a GoFundMe campaign to support search efforts, which had raised over $5,000 by Monday morning. Staley's sister, Airica, subsequently updated the fundraiser to confirm: 'We are relieved to share that Danielle has been in contact with her family, and they are currently en route to meet with her. She is safe.'
Unanswered Questions and Concerning History
Despite the positive outcome, numerous questions surround Staley's disappearance. The woman had been staying in a camper van near the beach with her boyfriend, 62-year-old Steven Nunez, with whom she'd maintained an on-and-off relationship for approximately 13 years.
Staley's mother, April Miller, voiced serious concerns about the relationship's history, describing it as 'extremely abusive' in comments to ABC 4. 'We've been concerned for years,' Miller stated, while Staley's brother Frankie characterised Nunez as 'manipulative.'
Nunez, who was questioned multiple times by police and had his van searched, claimed he hadn't attended the bonfire due to asthma and had fallen asleep in the camper van. He admitted to a history of domestic violence between the couple but maintained he was 'not stopping until I find her' during the search.
The boyfriend suggested Staley's disappearance might relate to a relapse into drug use, specifically mentioning heroin and methamphetamine - a concern corroborated by Staley's brother, Frankie Grey.
In a statement, Staley's family requested privacy regarding specific details while they focus on her wellbeing, asking that public attention remain on domestic violence victims and noting the sensitivity of such circumstances.
The family expressed gratitude to the Aptos community, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, and Missing in America Network for their support during the ordeal, while also highlighting November as Native American Heritage Month and the need for support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
