VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IN — A missing person investigation that began Tuesday evening has come to a heartbreaking conclusion. Authorities have confirmed that 44-year-old Rebecca Rae Versteeg was found deceased inside her vehicle on Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, following an extensive multi-agency search spanning Vanderburgh and Posey Counties.
According to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the case began when Rebecca’s husband reported her missing after she failed to return home from work Tuesday evening. Rebecca, a dedicated nurse employed at Solarbron on McDowell Road, was last seen leaving her workplace around 1:33 PM. During a brief phone conversation shortly afterward, she mentioned experiencing chest pain, which she believed to be indigestion. Sadly, that would be the last contact her family had with her.
Concern quickly mounted when hours passed with no word from Rebecca. Deputies launched a coordinated search effort involving Vanderburgh County, Posey County, and additional local agencies. Using GPS tracking data, roadside checks, and aerial drone surveillance, teams worked tirelessly through the night and into the following day to locate her vehicle.
Their efforts led to a tragic discovery on Wednesday afternoon, when search crews found Rebecca’s vehicle off University Parkway, down an embankment in a wooded area south of Marx Road. While the vehicle had sustained some damage, investigators reported no evidence of a serious crash or foul play. The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death, though early indications suggest a medical emergency may have occurred before the vehicle left the roadway.
In a statement released today, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that Rebecca’s death is not being treated as suspicious, though the investigation remains active pending autopsy results.
Rebecca Rae Versteeg was a compassionate healthcare worker who devoted her career to caring for others. Her colleagues describe her as selfless, hardworking, and deeply kind-hearted, always ready to lend a helping hand or comforting word to those in need. Her sudden loss has left her family, coworkers, and community devastated.
Her passing serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies. Chest pain — even when mild or seemingly harmless — should never be ignored, as it can signal a serious or life-threatening condition.
As friends and family mourn, the community is encouraged to honor Rebecca’s memory by carrying forward her spirit of compassion and by taking health concerns seriously — for themselves and their loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Versteeg family during this difficult time.
