Sheriff Urges Public to Stop Spreading Social Media Rumors as Search for Missing Michigan Woman Intensifies

Authorities in Wexford County are urging the public to stop circulating false information online as deputies continue the urgent search for a missing woman whose disappearance has been clouded by widespread social media speculation. Rebecca Park, who may be pregnant according to early reports, was last seen on Monday, November 3, 2025, when she entered a vehicle she had arranged to be picked up in near a residence on South 21 1/2 Road in Boon Township. She has not been seen or heard from since.

The Wexford County Sheriff’s Office issued a strongly worded statement this week emphasizing that misinformation circulating online is hindering the investigation, diverting resources, and complicating efforts to locate Park safely. “Due to the negative impact social media is having, we are unable to share information pertaining to the ongoing efforts to find Rebecca,” the statement read. “Please do not tie police resources up by calling for such details.”

Officials stressed that Park remains classified as a missing person who may be endangered, but they noted there is no evidence supporting viral claims that she was assaulted or harmed. In particular, the sheriff’s office directly refuted online rumors alleging the discovery of bloody clothing or human remains. “Those claims are false,” the statement continued, adding that Park’s pregnancy status remains unconfirmed and should not be treated as fact unless verified by investigators.

Park disappeared around 8:30 p.m. on November 3 after voluntarily getting into a dark-colored vehicle she had previously arranged to meet. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the vehicle or its driver, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to prevent further rumor-driven confusion. What is known is that Park’s phone was later found discarded on a nearby two-track road, raising concern but providing few clues about where she went next.

Sheriff Trent Taylor said the wave of speculation online has become one of the most significant barriers to progress in the case. Social media groups devoted to the search have ballooned in size, with some users posting theories, unverified accounts and even doctored images. “Social media rumors and online vitriol are creating significant challenges for our investigation,” the sheriff’s statement read. “False narratives are not only unhelpful; they are actively harmful.”

The sheriff’s office also reported receiving an overwhelming number of calls from concerned citizens seeking updates—many referencing online claims rather than verified information—forcing deputies to divert time away from investigative work. Law enforcement officials are now asking the public to wait for official updates and avoid contacting dispatch unless they have credible information directly relevant to the case.

Despite the challenges, search efforts are continuing, and authorities have granted Park’s friends permission to organize independent search groups as long as they operate legally and coordinate to avoid interfering with law enforcement activity. Volunteers have been encouraged to search wooded areas, rural roads and public access points, particularly in the region where Park’s phone was found. Deputies emphasized the importance of safety and urged searchers not to trespass or enter hazardous terrain without proper support.

Family and friends of Park have described her disappearance as completely out of character and are pleading with the public to focus on helping, not spreading unfounded claims. Loved ones have shared photos of Park and urged anyone who may have seen her or the vehicle she entered to come forward immediately. While officials have not disclosed whether Park left behind personal belongings besides her phone, they reiterated that there is no confirmed evidence she left under duress.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together Park’s final known movements using witness interviews, phone data, and surveillance footage from surrounding roads and businesses. Investigators have not publicly named any persons of interest, nor have they confirmed whether the driver of the vehicle has been located or interviewed. Officials cited the ongoing issue of misinformation as the primary reason for withholding investigative details at this stage.

The sheriff’s office has pledged to release accurate updates when appropriate but urged residents to recognize the consequences of online speculation. “We understand the community wants answers,” the statement said. “But sharing misleading narratives can seriously jeopardize our search efforts. The best way to help is to share verified information, remain vigilant, and report anything you know directly to law enforcement.”

Park’s disappearance continues to draw significant attention across Michigan, where many community members have joined search groups or offered support to her family. Authorities remain hopeful that the investigation will lead to her safe recovery but emphasized that progress depends heavily on cooperation from the public—and the responsible handling of information.

Anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of Rebecca Park or the vehicle she entered is urged to contact the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office immediately.