Boyfriend Pleads for Help in Disappearance of Utah Woman at California Beach
APTOS, Calif. — November 20, 2025 — The boyfriend of Danielle Staley, a 35-year-old Utah woman who disappeared at a California beach bonfire earlier this month, has made a public plea for information as authorities investigate the case amid concerns of foul play.
Staley was last seen on the night of November 6, 2025, around 11:30 p.m. at a bonfire on Rio Del Mar State Beach near Aptos, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Since her disappearance, investigators have been actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding areas, including Beach Drive, Treasure Island, and Spreckels Drive, between November 5 and November 7.
Her boyfriend, Alx Nunez, expressed his determination to find her in an interview with KSBW, stating, “I’m not stopping until I find her. And I’m not going anywhere, I’m right here. I really appreciate everything that people are doing. … and I want to do more than what I’ve been doing, sitting in some hotel room, so what I’m asking is for if anybody has any information, any information whatsoever to please come forward, the detectives are working on this really hard.”
Nunez also firmly denied any involvement in her disappearance, saying, “As God as my witness, I have nothing to do with it.”
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office described Staley as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings. Her personal belongings were found on the beach, and she has not made contact with her family, behavior that authorities say is uncharacteristic and has heightened concern.
“Since being reported missing on November 7, 2025, deputies and detectives have been actively investigating and following up on all information to help locate Danielle Staley,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Sgt. Zach West. “At this time, investigators are not ruling out foul play; however, the case is being treated as a missing person at risk due to the circumstances.”
The Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and businesses with surveillance footage from the relevant dates and locations to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Background
Danielle Staley is originally from Holladay, Utah. Her disappearance at a popular beach location in California has drawn significant attention due to the unusual circumstances and the possibility of foul play. The case remains active with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uncover any leads. Public appeals for information are common in missing persons cases, especially when the individual is considered at risk and when personal belongings are found abandoned.
Why It Matters
The disappearance of Danielle Staley highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public recreational areas, especially during nighttime events such as bonfires. The involvement of multiple jurisdictions and the public’s assistance in reviewing surveillance footage underscore the importance of community cooperation in missing persons investigations. Furthermore, the case serves as a reminder of the emotional toll on families and loved ones, as exemplified by Nunez’s heartfelt plea and commitment to finding Staley. Authorities’ cautious approach, not ruling out foul play, reflects the seriousness with which such cases are treated to ensure thorough investigation and justice.
As the investigation continues, the public’s role in providing any relevant information could prove crucial in locating Danielle Staley and resolving this distressing case.
Source: Original Report
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