Search crews have used helicopters, drones and K9 teams. And still, no sign of 53-year-old Nicole Winder.
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas — Brazos County investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating a 53-year-old mother who has been missing for 16 days after her truck was found burning off FM 974.
Nicole Winder, also known as Nikki, was last seen leaving work on Feb. 25 before her truck was discovered on fire near an oil well in Brazos County. Search crews have since scoured the area by land and air, but investigators say they have found no trace of her.
Deputy Nathan Dennis with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said deputies first responded to the area when they found the burning truck and immediately began trying to reach its owner.
“They responded to the area and located a truck on fire parked at an oil well,” Dennis said.
As deputies worked to contact Winder, it became clear something was wrong.
“During that time, they realized family and friends couldn’t contact her. Didn’t know where she was,” Dennis said.
The lack of any sign of Winder since she left work that day has raised serious concerns for investigators.
“It makes us worry, the fear that she is in danger of death, or anything like that,” Dennis said.
Search teams have used a wide range of resources in the effort to locate her.
“We have utilized helicopters, drones. Texas Search and Rescue brought out drones, equipment, and did a coordinated search with K9 teams,” Dennis said.
Investigators say they may have one promising lead: a person seen riding an ATV near the area where Winder’s truck was found. Authorities say they are not sure if that person has any connection to the case but want to speak with them.
“We don’t know what the connection is, or if they have a connection. Maybe we can talk to them and see if they saw anything,” Dennis said.
Investigators are also asking anyone with dash cam footage from that area on the day Winder disappeared to come forward.
When asked directly whether he believed Winder was still alive, Dennis remained cautiously hopeful.
“We hope we are going to find her alive and that she is safe. We have to be prepared for everything,” he said.
Winder is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers, which is working to offer a monetary reward.
A Clear Alert has been active since Feb. 28.
Anyone with information about her location should contact their local law enforcement agency or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at 979-361-4900.
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