CADILLAC — The Wexford County Sheriff’s Office said Nov. 19 that the search for missing woman Rebecca Park remains active amid mounting misinformation and unverified claims circulating online.
Park, who was last seen on Nov. 3 at approximately 8:30 p.m., is considered a missing and possibly endangered person. She is alleged to have voluntarily gotten into a vehicle that she reportedly arranged to pick her up that night.
Sheriff’s deputies and the Michigan State Police have conducted extensive searches in the area where she was last seen. Volunteers later searched the same area. No additional evidence was located in either search.
A new volunteer group — calling themselves a recovery team — has since appeared in the area. The sheriff’s office said the group was not requested by law enforcement and is not operating under the agency’s authority, though they are free to search on their own.
According to the sheriff’s office, there is no known direct evidence that Park was the victim of an assault. Deputies said they are not in possession of bloody clothing, despite claims circulating on social media. The status of her pregnancy is unknown.
Officials said misinformation and vitriol online continue to hamper the investigation. Law enforcement has not declared the search to be for human remains.
Due to the negative impact of social media, investigators are not releasing additional details about ongoing efforts to locate Park.
Authorities urged the public not to call police to ask for investigative updates, as information is not being shared at this time. A tip line has been established for actionable information at 231-306-2072. Anyone who knows where Park can be found is asked to call 911.
The sheriff’s office said it will issue an updated press release when there is a significant development. Until then, officials asked the community to use good judgment regarding what they see, hear or post online.