Mattie Lou Zabel, a 45-year-old teacher's aide from Cedar Falls, Iowa, was last seen by her family on March 21, 1978. On the day of her disappearance, Mattie had left a frozen chicken thawing in her kitchen sink for dinner and did not take any clothing or other personal items with her. The next day, her son found her car abandoned at Black Hawk Park, with her purse locked inside. This was a location Mattie frequently visited to take walks.
Authorities launched an extensive search involving search dogs, divers, and a National Guard helicopter, but no trace of Mattie was found. Police theorized that she may have accidentally fallen into the Cedar River or possibly taken her own life, as she had been receiving treatment for depression, though her psychiatrist noted improvements in her condition before she went missing. There was no indication that she left of her own accord, as her credit cards were never used after her disappearance, and she did not have the resources to sustain herself if she had voluntarily left.
Despite thorough searches and ongoing monitoring of her financial activity, no new leads emerged. Seven years later, in 1985, Mattie was legally declared dead. Her case remains unsolved, and authorities continue to seek information regarding her whereabouts. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact the Cedar Falls Police Department.Last Seen: Mar 21, 1978
