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Missing Huachuca City woman found dead near Tombstone

By Derek Jordan
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 - 02:41:43 am MST

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SIERRA VISTA —A missing Huachuca City woman was found dead just outside Tombstone on Saturday evening.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., authorities discovered the body of Jacquelyn Kay Anderson, 53, in a wash north of the Tombstone City Cemetery, said Lt. Jennifer Fuller, public information officer for the Huachuca City Police Department.

Anderson’s car was found 200 yards north of the cemetery in a wash by two hunters in the area around 2 p.m., Fuller said.

Tombstone Marshal Larry Talvy said the hunters found a cell phone and purse in the 2000 Dodge Intrepid belonging to Anderson, but not Anderson. The hunters contacted the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, which in turn notified the Marshal’s Office.

Jacquelyn Kay Anderson (Submitted to the Herald/Review)

The Marshal’s Office was assisted in the search by the Cochise County Search and Rescue Team and an officer from the Huachuca City Police Department. A U.S. Customs Black Hawk helicopter sent out to assist in the search was the first to locate the body, which was about 300 feet north of the car, Talvy said.

Though an autopsy by the Cochise County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, no foul play is suspected, Fuller said.

Anderson’s vehicle sustained minor damage to the front area as a result of the desert terrain and a barbed wire fence it traveled through just prior to crashing in the wash, Fuller said.

Anderson, a bipolar schizophrenic, was last seen on Dec. 26 in Tombstone, when she came into contact with Tombstone officers after she drove her car into a shallow ravine. She was not suspected of wrongdoing, and was allowed to leave the scene.

Herald/Review reporter Derek Jordan can be reached at 515-4680 or by e-mail at derek.jordan@svherald.com.

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To Jean wrote on Jan 18, 2009 7:26 PM:

" What a stretch, you should have read all the articles concerning this, before commenting. "

Jean wrote on Jan 17, 2009 9:59 AM:

" does saying she was bipolar and schizophrenic mean her death should not be investigated as someone who might have been run off the road by someone else and killed or had the accident and someone came along while she was in the ditch and took her out and killed her.
why was her death not properly investigated just because she had these diseases.
several members of my husbands family also have these issues but none have killed themselves and I find it hard to understand a person who helped others so much would do that. "

Allies Friend- S.M. wrote on Jan 16, 2009 9:21 PM:

" Allie, I'm so sorry. I love you very much, your Mom was a wonderful person who made this world a better place for many and touched lives that will forever be changed because of her caring heart. I see a lot of that in you and I thank your mom for that. I love you and Dave both. Please let me know if you need anything "

huh wrote on Jan 16, 2009 12:41 PM:

" To "Hmmm" ... missing MAN? Huh? This is a story about a woman. "

Hmmm wrote on Jan 15, 2009 7:51 PM:

" Is the Herald going to tell us what the missing man died from? "

Grammi Donn wrote on Jan 14, 2009 7:37 PM:

" Jackie blessed me with my first grandchildren - Nathan & Allie. She allowed us to have them with us in IL whenever it was possible. I will always be thankful for her graciousness in that. Please keep Nathan & Allie in your prayers. They are far too young to lose their mother especially the way they did. Jackie & I shared many laughs and many tears. Much love, Jackie, go now with the angels. "

Tracy Taylor wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:57 PM:

" Allie, Your mother was a beautiful person. She inspired my daughter to learn ASL just by serving a student in my daughter's class. She later worked with one of my own students, and I had the privilege to get to know her well. She was kind and good and spoke frequently and fondly of you. Know that she affected the lives of many. Godspeed to you. "

Brenda wrote on Jan 13, 2009 10:05 AM:

" Has anyone started a fund for the funeral? I would be interested in donating if so.

God bless "

cindy wrote on Jan 12, 2009 12:06 PM:

" Miss Jackie was like a sister to me. I loved her so much and wish I could have done more for her. I knew her since we were in our 20's. She helped more people each year than most of us help in a lifetime. Until the last few years, she was outgoing, hard working, funny, happy, playful and above all, KIND. I was very blessed to have her in my life. "

liz wrote on Jan 10, 2009 10:08 AM:

" Jackie you were one of the kindest souls I have ever known. The world is a colder, sadder place without you. My thoughts are with you Allie and Nathan. "

Chuck Swinford wrote on Jan 9, 2009 10:48 PM:

" To all who may be effected by mental illness, or are close to someone who is, this should be a story to understand. Allie put this information out there for a reason. Very sadly, the tragedy that happened to jackie is the worst case scenario in the world of mental illness. Let this not be a wasted message. There is help available, there are resources. For a small community, SV actually has a robust Mental Health treatment and support network. Get involved, get informed, get the help you need. There is no shame in caring for yourself. "

Chuck Swinford wrote on Jan 9, 2009 10:42 PM:

" Allie, thank you for allowing the Herald to print your mothers medical information. Others may not want to hear such things, in their mind out of compassion, but more likely out of fear or misunderstanding. It took a lot of strength for you to be so honest in this, and you are to be commended. Mental illness is a reality, it effects 1 out of 5 Americans. Despite it's prevalence, there is still a huge amount of stigma and ignorance in the world. Those things exist because people remain silent. You didn't, thank you for that. "

To Allie wrote on Jan 9, 2009 7:44 PM:

" How much is the funeral home holding you up for? "

Times are hard for everyone wrote on Jan 9, 2009 5:33 PM:

" Dear Allie, What funeral home is it ? Maybe folks from our community and our sister community could find kindness in their hearts to contribute and help you kids with the cost. Think about it people reading this, if we all gave $10.00 to help her children out at a time of need, what a way to honor her and her legacy. "

believe wrote on Jan 9, 2009 3:53 PM:

" Please share as to where we can send donations to help the family out. Thank you "

Allie wrote on Jan 9, 2009 9:06 AM:

" My brother and myself will have when and where her funeral will be held in the obituries. At this time it will be delayed until we can pay off the funeral home she is in. I promise the moment it is settled I will have it placed in the obituries. Thank you "

Ruth Reed wrote on Jan 9, 2009 5:21 AM:

" Thank you for put up the article of my old friend and school interpreter Jackie Anderson. She was real cool person and always love to have her deafie friends over to visit. Many things about her was my fond memories. We since had not seen her 10 years since we moved here to Tucson. Pray for her children and maybe grandchildren. Thousands say about Jackie We love her as my own family. I save the article. I have a depression disorder myself. It was not very easy but keep medications everyday. "

Liz Singleton wrote on Jan 8, 2009 8:30 PM:

" How she died is less important than how she lived.Jackie was a vivacios, intlligent, caring woman. She was the best little league mom of any team I coached when our children were all young together. And even though dealing with a mental illness, she reached out to help others from babysitting to having coffee with an elderly woman to taking in old friends who had moved back with no place to live. Whether it was pumping up the air mattress or sending cookies to soldiers, she cared. The world is colder without her. "

Patricia wrote on Jan 8, 2009 8:07 PM:

" It's really sad knowing how she died that way so alone and being not found for several days like that. May she rest in peace and meet GOD face to face happily. Love Pat "

Jeanette Thomas wrote on Jan 8, 2009 7:12 PM:

" Sorry to hear that Jackie passed away.
I only know her few years ago. "

A neighbor and friend wrote on Jan 8, 2009 2:36 PM:

" Our prayers go out to Jackie's children and loved ones. Jackie was a good person who gave to others unconditionally. She was a hard worker and asset to her community. The first few years I knew her I didn't even know she was sick. Most people live their lives fighting some type of medical problem. Jackie didn't use her illness as a crutch or excuse. She instead focused on the needs of others and doing so leaves a legacy of generosity. I pray that she didn't suffer long after her accident, that He took her quickly and painlessly. "

let it go wrote on Jan 8, 2009 11:58 AM:

" to 'baloney'...you're gonna second guess this thing to death...talk about splitting hairs and beating a dead horse...ridiculous.....THANKS HERALD FOR A ALWAYS DOING A TERRIFIC JOB! "

richardrebcca peters wrote on Jan 8, 2009 11:43 AM:

" we love jackie anderson and miss her too much we remmeber her deaf club we want thank her interpreter god will care her we will see her in heaven
love rich and reba "

Joe wrote on Jan 8, 2009 10:45 AM:

" So sad, there are so many women in Arizona suffering from mental illness,why is this "

friend from Tucson wrote on Jan 8, 2009 10:24 AM:

" Will there be a service for Jackie? I know many people whom she worked with in Tucson including myself that would like to pay respects to her and her family. Where should we look for information? With heartfelt sympathies. "

IdaCharles Dotson wrote on Jan 8, 2009 12:55 AM:

" Thank you for being our interpreter when we were in Tombstone High school. You and your family were a big part of our lives. Thank you so much and we will miss you and love you... You will forever be in our prayers. "

Question wrote on Jan 7, 2009 10:50 PM:

" Why in the world didn't the Sheriff's office find this woman? They claim to have a good search team? Answer the question sheriff? Don't say you weren't asked, that doesn't cut it. Did you even look? "

The Dales Family wrote on Jan 7, 2009 8:49 PM:

" Jackie,
Too bad to see you to go. You were so sweet, nice, and funny lady. Thank you so much for interpreting for me, Danny, and Bradley. We appreciated your community services. It was honor to work with you while we worked together as ASL teachers at Cochise College. Thank you so much for being involved with D/deaf community for a long time. We will not forget you and you will be remain in our heart and memories. May God bless your family, Nathan and Allie. They will cherish you forever- Fly free, go home with God, and we will see you around. Love, The Dale Family (Sandra, Danny, Bradley & Kyle "

baloney wrote on Jan 7, 2009 5:40 PM:

" ref editor's comment below "whetstone wrote on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 AM"

I read a tiny blurb in the hard copy Herald on the day after she disappeared. It contained a thumbnail photo and very little info. I don't know why it wasn't given more space & a bigger photo, and why it wasn't in the online version, which reaches many more people. I also know for a fact that the Herald recieved the same press release as all the Tucson news outlets, at the same time as they did.

(Go ahead editor, delete this comment without printing it!) "

Betty Richter wrote on Jan 7, 2009 1:08 PM:

" Jackie was a warm, caring , intelligent woman. When I knew her she was an aide to a hearing -impaired student at the school where i was teaching. She was kind, energetic and involved inmotivating not only her student, but also other students at the school. She sponsored a Signing Club on her own time. She caused other students to be more informed and caring about students with special needs. I am so sad to learn that she died in such a violent and lonely way. May God bless her always. "

To The Editor wrote on Jan 7, 2009 4:31 AM:

" Now that you have stated that this lady had this disease, maybe it would be nice if you did an informative piece on the disease to help others with the same problem. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this lady that was loved by so many. May the Lord help you get through this difficult time. "

unbelievable asinine comments wrote on Jan 6, 2009 2:42 PM:

" The Herald did everything it could under the circumstances but some venom spitter thinks he/she can be an armchair quarterback reporter. I doubt he/she would last even one day in a news organization. Undoubtedly it is someone with a hidden agenda and an ax to grind. Frequently comments throughout the site. "

Cant Win For Losing wrote on Jan 6, 2009 2:16 PM:

" I believe if this article had NOT mentioned Mrs. Anderson's medical issues, then these same complainers would be complaining that they should have been informed of her medical issues. Some of us cannot survive on a daily basis unless we're complaining about something. "

Jackies Daughter wrote on Jan 6, 2009 1:35 PM:

" My family truly appreciates all the kindness that we have read on this site. It warms my heart o know so many people loved her and that she will be missed terribly. As for her condition being printed i asked for it to be known so that peoplewould have understanding.There is no shame that I nor my family feel about her condition, it was just who she was. She was kind, had a great sense of humor, and had the biggest heart that anyone could possibly have. I will miss here more then anything in this world. I love youmom "

Mental Health Professional wrote on Jan 6, 2009 1:28 PM:

" There is nothing shameful about mental illness, however the way that the Herald mentioned it was shameful. Shameful of the Herald that is. Jackie suffered from one of the most common mental illnesses out there. She dealt with it well through medications and counseling. Many do not or do not like the side effects of their medications. A mere mention of the bipolar disorder was absurd. What should have been done is a few paragraphs about what Bipolar is and what is available in our county for treatment. "

To Editor wrote on Jan 6, 2009 8:29 AM:

" If you would get up in the morning and made your statement that you made at noon on Monday, (a day later) there sure would have been a lot less comments on this article. I agree that her condition should have been noted, it is a big part of the story. "

from Tombstone wrote on Jan 6, 2009 8:19 AM:

" I believe Jackie was headed home and missed the turn onto charleston Rd. The weather was bad, I recall snow on that night (Dec. 26th) would be an easy mistake for anyone not familiar with Tombstone in the dark with rain/snow and headlights, to pass the turn and continue straight on Allen Street. This is a sad situation and I believe a tragic accident that could have been avoided. God bless her children for not giving up on finding her. "

azdave wrote on Jan 6, 2009 8:04 AM:

" These people who claim to be "sensitive" by trying to hide this lady's mental disorder obviously think that it was some kind of shameful condition. How ignorant of you all. If she had fallen off a rock ledge because of a pre-existing physical disability they wouldn't have thought twice about its relevance. Schizophrenia is a neurological condition with roots in body chemistry, making it no different than diabetes in that respect except in the small minds of some people. My condolences to the family for both this unfortunate death and some of the attitudes displayed here. "

David wrote on Jan 6, 2009 6:20 AM:

" Our sincere condolences to the family and friends, Jacquelyn rest in peace. For the editor: That being the case, then more than just a note concerning her illness was warranted. A bit of research and comment describing possible behaviors or actions may have helped both the citizenry and LE to find or recognize her in time. Perhaps a decent liason with the local LE may get the Herald "in the loop". I find it very hard to believe that local LE informed Tucson TV in a timely manner, and did not contact the Herald at all. "

Amazed wrote on Jan 6, 2009 6:00 AM:

" To Editor's Note to Whetstone - Have you not heard of initiative?? Perhaps one of your reporters could actually follow Tucson news for SV related items and INITIATE local follow-up/reporting instead of always waiting for news to be handed to you on a silver platter before reporting it?? WOW - what a local asset the Herald is. "

Damit wrote on Jan 6, 2009 1:24 AM:

" What happened to Protect and Serve, were we tired from too much work from the day before (25 Dec). The Tombstone officer did not suspect Ms Anderson of any wrongdoing (sure, ok) and allowed her to get back in her vehicle so that she could drive a little over a mile, only to find herself in another accident. People don't find yourself sick in Tombstone. Jackie God Bless you over and over. I know you are in our Lords grace. You were a beautiful person. You are and will be trully missed "

Herald/Review editor wrote on Jan 6, 2009 12:23 AM:

" Jacquelyn Anderson's family contacted the Herald/Review and provided her medical information in the hope that it might help someone find her. "

Beg to Differ wrote on Jan 5, 2009 4:46 PM:

" Contrary to "Anonymous'" opinion, I believe it's important to know that Ms. Anderson was bipolar schizophrenic. Without that fact, and the fact that she was without her medication for a bit of time, you can bank on the fact that people would assume that she had been engaging in risky behavior, drunk, on illegal drugs, or something worse than being affilicted with a disease. Her death is sad, but better to have the facts than to let people assume something worse. If you are familiar with these posts, you know this is what happens. "

Kathy wrote on Jan 5, 2009 4:41 PM:

" I am very saddened to hear this news. My prayers go out to Nathan and Ally. "

t wrote on Jan 5, 2009 4:28 PM:

" I believe that the more people hear about bipolar and schizophrenia the less they will be afraid of it and may be able to recognize someone in that condition who requires assistance. Obviously even Tombstone Marshalls did not recognize her condition or they may have done more to help her out. These are medical conditions and not mental health craziness like so many people think. They are treatable with proper diagnosis. The public should be informed more about these conditions as there are so many afflicted with them. Don't ignore it just because it makes people uncomfortable. "

azdave wrote on Jan 5, 2009 4:08 PM:

" To Anonymous: It may sound insensitive to you for the Herald to point out her mental disability, but it would be pretty confusing and frustrating for the rest of us to read about an otherwise healthy Huachuca City woman ending up dead in a ravine in Tombstone. I can only imagine the rampant speculation that would exist if that information hadn't been provided. Personally, I think the public's need for clarification outweighs your desire for censorship. Besides, I see no shame in someone suffering from that sort of disorder, but apparently you feel otherwise. "

PJR wrote on Jan 5, 2009 3:31 PM:

" I feel it is necessary to learn that she has an illness, meaning that is most likely was not foul play and gives more in-depth to what happened. It is an illness and certainly nothing to be ashamed about. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. "

Angels are watching wrote on Jan 5, 2009 3:05 PM:

" To me with a mother who has severe Dementia. and a father that had altimers. I don't find it rude or in bad taste. Someone cared to locate this young woman and mental health issues just means you are able to do other things. She was a wonderful young lady that should inspire others with disabilities to excel in all you do. God Bless you young angel. "

LindaLou wrote on Jan 5, 2009 1:09 PM:

" How very sad to hear about this, my prayers go to her friends and family at this time "

Dyna wrote on Jan 5, 2009 12:19 PM:

" Unfortunately such a mention is necessary. Doctors continue to throw more and more pills at people instead of taking time to help them learn to cope on minimal medication. What if some of her meds, or a change in her meds, contributed to what happen to her? "

Ken Adams wrote on Jan 5, 2009 10:28 AM:

" Anonymous - It really is an important fact in this case, because it helps us understand, if even a little bit, why Ms. Anderson may have disappeared and why she ended up where she did, without anyone knowing where she had gone. I cannot imagine that it's inclusion in the article was for any other reason. "

One of Jackies Neighbor wrote on Jan 5, 2009 8:57 AM:

" Jackie, you will be missed very much. We had hoped and prayed for your safe reutrn. You were a very sweet person.
May God be with Jackie's children and family. May he give you peace and comfort. "

Laura W. wrote on Jan 5, 2009 7:48 AM:

" Jackie may you rest in peace. And may her family find comfort and strength as the days pass. God Bless. "

sad wrote on Jan 5, 2009 7:39 AM:

" I did not know her but my heart goes out to the family. I agree with anonymous that information should not have been made public . "

whetstone wrote on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 AM:

" Why didn't the Herald tell us she was missing in the first place. It was on the Tucson TV stations for over a week. So much for local news coverage in the Herald (EDITOR'S NOTE: The TV stations had an advantage because they received an initial news release from the authorities about the missing woman, but the Herald did not receive that release. Jacquelyn Anderson was last seen on Dec. 26. The Herald was contacted by the family on Dec. 30 and published its first article on Dec. 31.) "

David wrote on Jan 5, 2009 6:19 AM:

" Why is it that "you people" who claim to be reporters are not able to write a story of this nature without throwing in some personal information? Articles most always end with a line similar too, "Joe Blow, a well known blind drunkard", or "Mary Ellen, suffering from breast cancer", or "John Smyth, income less than $35K". Keep to the story SV Herald, leave the personal family information descriptors to yourself. It serves no purpose to publish what is not pertinent. This is not HS Journalism class anymore, not the NY Times. Signed, a bearded man over 40. "

Donna wrote on Jan 5, 2009 5:29 AM:

" MY HEART GOES OUT TO MS. ANDERSENS FAMILY AS SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON, SHE WAS ON THE PARK AND REC. COMMITTEE FOR HUACHUCA CITY, SHE DID A GREAT JOB. SHE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY. "

No Need for This wrote on Jan 5, 2009 12:49 AM:

" I agree with Anonymous. Why did the Herald have to disclose this? It was tacky. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and hope that this was at least discussed with her family before disclosing this. Editor: What are the laws about disclosing medical facts?
I'm sure here family has gone through enough pain though without everyone having to be up in their business. My condolences to her family for their loss. "

Brenda wrote on Jan 4, 2009 10:18 PM:

" Having known people with this disease, I can understand why they mentioned it. If someone were to approach her while she was having an episode she may be violent. I would want to know who is on the loose and what might happen if I approached them.
I sympathize with her for having had the burden of this disease because most people with it do not want to take the medication needed to keep it in control. The medication makes you feel like a zombie. "

to Anonymous wrote on Jan 4, 2009 9:29 PM:

" I am a registered nurse who works with the mentally ill. I agree with you that the issue of a mental illness, or the fact that someone does not have a mental illness is not information that is important to this article. If the information is pertinent to what is happening, then it should be included, but what does her health condition have to do with the fact she is deceased? God bless the family during this difficult time. "

What wrote on Jan 4, 2009 8:46 PM:

" If she wasn't bipolar schizophrenic, and it wasn't noted, she would just have been considered another woman that wanted to get away and play. "

insensitive wrote on Jan 4, 2009 8:04 PM:

" WOW, I was just asking my husband why would they air her personal laundry unless it was related to the accident? Will they report all our medical status even when it's not important? I have seen this woman around town and now all I can think of is that she was mentally ill SAD SAD SAD "

Anonymous wrote on Jan 4, 2009 6:13 PM:

" My family was close with this woman. We were concerned for days about her and this news broke our hearts. We feel it is unnecessary to include that she was a bipolar schizophrenic. We believe that is not public information to give out and we found it somewhat offensive. No one needs to know that. We hope you take this into consideration in future articles. "

Heather wrote on Jan 4, 2009 3:36 PM:

" Jackie you will be missed. Im sorry your life ended in such tragedy. You were a good person to many and a great co-worker. You will always be in my loving memory. "

kris polites wrote on Jan 4, 2009 11:17 AM:

" we will miss Jackie forever and we pray that she is in a happy place and has found peace! "

Jackies Neigbor wrote on Jan 4, 2009 11:17 AM:

" Jackie, you will be missed very much. We had hoped and prayed for your safe reutrn.
May God be with Jackie's children and family. May he give you peace and comfort. "

Chuck Swinford wrote on Jan 4, 2009 7:40 AM:

" Today is a very sad day. From a friend and someone wo has also faced mental lillneess, my heart is heavy today. RIP Jackie, and know that you were loved. Tis a sad truth of mental illness, we either reach out and find the help we need and find our recovery, or things end badly. To any of you with mental illness, Please seek out help. yes Drs. and therapists, but also the community and reducational resources. You never have to walk alone, and you never should. Recovery is not a dream, it needn't end this way. "