Press Release: Body of Missing Tucson Woman Found in Desert
TUCSON, Ariz. — A tragic search operation concluded on May 13, 2025, with the discovery of 22-year-old Melissa Mendez’s body in the Tucson desert. Mendez had been reported missing following a suspicious incident involving a damaged vehicle on West Silverbell Road on May 11.
Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) responded to the scene after the car, found unoccupied, raised alarms. Despite initial searches conducted by the Tucson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, no trace of Mendez was found. Further inquiries revealed that a couple had offered a ride to a man matching the description of the vehicle’s driver.
Concerns escalated when Mendez’s family reached out to deputies on May 12 after discovering online footage suggesting her presence in the car. This prompted a more extensive search involving various agencies on May 13, leading to the unfortunate discovery of her body shortly before 9 a.m.
While no signs of foul play have been identified, the investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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