Authorities Concerned for Missing Utah Woman

A woman from Utah who vanished from a beach in California a few days ago is now believed to be potentially targeted in a crime, according to officials who are classifying her as “at risk.”

Daniel Staley, 35, disappeared from Rio Del Mar State Beach last Thursday night, prompting a wide search from investigators.

Recent updates suggest that Staley may have been with a group of unidentified individuals at the time she went missing.

“New information suggests she is at risk, and there may be foul play involved,” a statement from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office indicated, sounding quite serious.

Sergeant Zach West mentioned that personal items belonging to Staley were discovered on the beach and noted that she hasn’t contacted her family, which is atypical for her.

In light of these developments, authorities are asking local residents for help. They’re particularly interested in any surveillance footage captured around the time of Staley’s disappearance.

If you live or work near Beach Drive, Rio Del Mar Boulevard, or in the surrounding area, the Sheriff’s Office requests that you come forward with any relevant recordings.

The timeline for the requested footage spans from November 5 to November 7, 2025.

Staley is described as having blonde hair, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing around 120 pounds. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.