A Utah woman who vanished from a California beach several days ago may have been the victim of “foul play,” according to authorities who deem her “at risk.”
Investigators have been searching for Danielle Staley, 35, since she disappeared from the Rio Del Mar State Beach last Thursday night.
Utah woman Danielle Staley went missing in Aptos, Calif. on Nov. 6, 2025. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office
Staley disappeared at Rio Del Mar State Beach on Thursday night. KSBW
“New information indicates she may be at risk and foul play may be involved,” the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office warned in an ominous statement.
The missing woman was believed to have been with a group of unidentified people around the time she was last seen, KTVU reported.
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“Staley’s personal belongings were found on the beach and she has not been in contact with her family — behavior that is uncharacteristic and has raised additional concern,” Sergeant Zach West said.
Authorities have since urged locals in the area to come forward with any surveillance footage from around the time she vanished.
“If you live or work near Beach Drive, Rio Del Mar Boulevard, The Esplanade, or any nearby streets or pathways, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance,” the sheriff’s office said.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sergeant Zach West said Staley’s belongings were found on the beach and she hasn’t been in contact with her family since the disappearance. KSBW
A missing person sign seen in a Santa Cruz County business. KSBW
“Detectives are seeking to review surveillance footage from the area taken between November 5th and November 7th, 2025.”
Staley, who has blonde hair, was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.
She is described as being 5’6” and 120 lbs.