In the late autumn of 2025, concern grew for a 73-year-old woman from Felton, California, named Jeanne Burke. On November 18, she was last seen in the afternoon, walking near the Felton Quarry toward Empire Grade Road. Described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall with a medium build, long gray hair, and blue eyes, she was noticeably dressed in a red-and-black plaid jacket, black pants, and mismatched sandals-one pink and one black. Authorities and her community were immediately concerned, as Burke was considered "at risk" due to medical reasons, adding a sense of urgency to her disappearance.
The days following her disappearance saw a significant mobilization of search and rescue efforts. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, along with numerous other agencies and volunteers, scoured the rugged terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains. At one point, as many as 115 search and rescue team members were involved, representing agencies from across several counties, including Santa Cruz, Fresno, Yolo, and San Mateo. The search was extensive, covering the challenging landscape around areas like Smith Grade and Moore Ranch roads. Residents in these areas were asked to check their properties and any security footage for signs of Burke. Despite the intense and widespread search, weeks passed without any sign of the missing woman.
Tragically, on January 18, 2026, a body was discovered in a densely wooded area near Ice Cream Grade and Moore Ranch Road, an area that fell within the established search zone. After nearly a month, on February 14, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the remains were those of Jeanne Burke. Official reports indicated that she was found deceased, bringing a somber conclusion to a case that had held the community's attention for months. The search for Jeanne Burke was a significant effort involving multiple agencies and community members who came together in the hope of finding her. The terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains posed considerable challenges to the search teams, who covered approximately 600 miles. The eventual discovery of her body brought a painful end to the uncertainty, and the Sheriff's Office extended its deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Last Seen: Nov 18, 2025
