Reedsburg, Wisconsin — After more than 60 years of uncertainty, an 82-year-old woman who disappeared in 1962 has been located, and authorities say her choice to evade contact was intentional. Audrey Jean Backeberg vanished on July 7, 1962, from this small town situated approximately 60 miles northwest of Madison. At just 20 years old, she was last seen after allegedly hitchhiking to the state capital and catching a bus to Indianapolis.
Initial reports claimed she stepped away from the bus stop and simply faded from view. In the decades that followed, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office pursued countless leads in an effort to solve the mystery, but the trail eventually went cold.
Earlier this year, investigators revisited the case as part of a broader review of unsolved missing persons files. Detective Isaac Hanson was assigned to scrutinize the records, and his fresh perspective proved invaluable. By carefully reviewing documents and reengaging with witnesses, he began to piece together previously overlooked clues.
Using an Ancestry.com account linked to Backeberg’s sister, Hanson gained access to a wealth of information including census data and death records. This investigative tool led him to an address outside of Wisconsin that warranted a visit from local authorities.
After the local sheriff’s office made contact, Detective Hanson managed to speak with Backeberg for an extensive 45-minute conversation. Reflecting on the interaction, he noted that she was at peace with her choices. “She had her reasons for leaving,” Hanson shared, suggesting that Backeberg embraced a new chapter in her life away from her past.
Authorities concluded that Backeberg’s disappearance was not linked to any nefarious circumstances. Instead, there was a sense of relief that she had navigated her own path, one she evidently embraced without regrets. “She sounded happy and confident in her decision,” Hanson remarked.
This remarkable development underscores not just the durability of unresolved cases, but also the complexities of personal choice. Many families of missing persons continue to endure heartache, but for this family, the case has come to a serene close after years of speculation. The lasting impact of Backeberg’s decision serves as a reminder of the diverse narratives surrounding those who choose to go missing.