Holly Alcott White, a 49-year-old woman from Taos, New Mexico, was on the verge of a new chapter in her life in the spring of 2016. After 22 years as the manager at the Taos Center for the Arts, she was preparing to move to Albuquerque to join her husband, Jeff, who had already started a new job there. Holly had a new position lined up as an office manager at a dental practice and was looking forward to a farewell party her colleagues were throwing for her.
On the evening of May 5, 2016, she spoke with her husband and her best friend, both of whom later recalled that she sounded cheerful and normal. She also spent some time playing "Words With Friends" online, chatting with an acquaintance until about 10:30 p.m. This was the last time anyone is known to have had contact with her.
The following morning, May 6th, Holly failed to meet a close friend for their daily morning walk, a routine they had maintained for eight years. This uncharacteristic absence immediately raised concern. Her friend went to Holly's home and, using a key, let herself in to find Holly's purse, cell phone, and beloved dog, Rosie, all inside the house. The only thing missing was Holly and her blue Ford Escape. Later that day, her vehicle was discovered parked in the parking lot of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, about 10 miles west of Taos. A vendor at the bridge reported that the car had been there since at least 6:15 a.m. The keys were found inside the vehicle, resting in a cup holder.
An extensive search of the area was launched by law enforcement. Dive teams scoured 12 to 16 miles of the Rio Grande, but they did not find Holly. A single black Skechers shoe, which friends believed could have been Holly's, was found floating in the water, though some have speculated it might have been placed there to mislead investigators. Friends and family have been adamant that Holly would not have taken her own life, pointing out that she would not have done so without leaving a note and, most importantly, would never have willingly abandoned her dog. Her husband, who was in Albuquerque at the time of her disappearance, was cooperative with investigators, passed a polygraph test, and has been ruled out as a suspect. The case grew cold, though a private investigator hired by Holly's family continues to work on it. The investigator has mentioned persons of interest but has not publicly named any suspects. The disappearance of Holly Alcott White remains an unsolved mystery, leaving her loved ones with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.Last Seen: May 5, 2016
