Authorities have announced that a 28-year-old woman who went missing “under extraordinary circumstances” last week was discovered alive on an Indian reservation in Arizona.
Six days after she was last seen, Jessica Goodwin was discovered in the Gila River Indian Community on Sunday, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Goodwin, of San Tan Valley, was last heard from on January 11 “under strange circumstances after calling off work and leaving her dog at home,” according to the authorities.
Family members of Goodwin at the time informed Fox affiliate KSAZ that her disappearance was concerning and out of the ordinary.
Her buddy Chandler Stork told the newspaper, “We are worried because it’s entirely unlike her. “She will undoubtedly bring her puppy if she goes somewhere to unwind. She’s planning to take her dog along if she takes a 20- or 30-minute drive. She always takes her puppy with her when she travels. Never does she leave her dog alone for more than one night.”
Goodwin “never just goes contact-less with everyone, and a cell phone off for days,” according to Stork.
The white 2013 Jetta that the 5-foot-2, blonde-haired, and green-eyed woman was allegedly driving was later discovered “abandoned with minimal damage” close to a wash in Queen Creek by PSCO officers.
The sheriff’s office stated on Friday that “foul play is not suspected at this time, but the location and manner in which the car was recovered is suspicious.”
PSCO officials maintained their ground- and air-based search for Goodwin over the following two days.
Phone records didn’t help locate Goodwin on the Indian reservation until Sunday at around 4:45 p.m. local time, according to officials.
“This is the outcome we have all been hoping and praying for. I commend our Detectives and our Search and Rescue team for their commitment and attention to detail,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb.
This investigation is ongoing. We will release more information when it becomes available
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) January 18, 2021
The sheriff’s office tweeted that she was being airlifted to the hospital and was in critical condition.
Officials said on Monday that Goodwin was making progress in the hospital after the dramatic incident.
Authorities reported that “she was found in acute dehydration.” With medical attention, “her condition keeps getting better.”
It is currently unknown what caused Goodwin to vanish. According to PCSO investigators, they are looking into the matter and want to share additional details whenever they get them.
Sheriff Mark Lamb stated, “This is the result we have all been anticipating and praying for.” I applaud the dedication and careful attention to detail of our detectives and our search and rescue team.
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