Name: Gwendolyn Margaret Brunelle
Nickname: Gwen
Age: 27 years old
Last seen: June 26, 2023
Location: Boise, Idaho
Status: Found deceased on April 8, 2024
Case Information
27-year-old Gwendolyn Brunelle was last seen in Boise, Idaho on June 26, 2023. She disappeared while on a road trip, and her car was later found abandoned near the Idaho/Oregon border.
Background
Gwendolyn Margaret Brunelle was born on December 9, 1998. She attended University of Idaho.
Disappearance
On June 26, 2023, Gwendolyn Brunelle left Boise, Idaho, for a road trip in her car, a 2008 Gray Honda Element with Idaho plate #5WT6X. She may have traveled as far south as McDermitt, Nevada.
On June 27, 2023, Brunelle was last seen at noon in Jordan Valley, Oregon, when she purchased gas at the Sinclair station. She then made a purchase at Mrs. Z’s convenience store on Main Street.
Gwendolyn Brunelle hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Investigation
Before leaving home on June 26, Gwen told her boyfriend she was headed to California with 11 of her show rabbits to meet a show judge for training. The judge was later contacted, but said they had made no such arrangements.
On June 30, 2023, Brunelle’s vehicle was found abandoned at the pullout on Succor Creek Road, half a mile west of Highway 95 in Malheur County, Oregon. Her rabbits were found inside the car, but Gwen was nowhere to be found.
Gwen’s car was reportedly first seen at the pullout on the morning of June 28th.
Reports indicate that the pullout where Brunelle’s vehicle was found was vacant late in the afternoon of June 27.
Authorities conducted an extensive search in the area around Succor Creek Road with the help of a helicopter and volunteers, but found no signs of Gwendolyn.
Her family states she may have wandered off or been abducted. She may present as disoriented.
On July 11, 2023, Malheur County officials announced that they were suspending their search for Gwen until they find new information.
On September 10, 2023, a t-shirt belonging to Gwen was found stuck against a barbed wire fence, about a mile from where her car was found abandoned in June.
“This confirms that she’s most likely up that way rather than considering her being abducted,” said Sheriff Travis Johnson.
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office is organizing a search for Saturday, September 23.
Remains of Gwen Brunelle Found
On April 8, 2024, a drone operator hired by Gwen’s family spotted what appeared to be human remains about 2 miles away from where Gwen’s car was found back in 2023.
The remains were sent to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, and positively identified through dental records as belonging to Gwen on April 29.
Her family released the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter, Gwen Brunelle. Her remains were recovered in the high desert of Eastern Oregon in April, roughly ten months after her vehicle was found abandoned just off U.S. Highway 95 on Succor Creek Road. Gwen’s remains were located a little more than two miles from where her car was parked. The State of Oregon Medical Examiner confirmed the identification in late April. Exact cause of death is still being determined but we believe no foul play is suspected.”
Appearance
Physical Description:
White female born on December 9, 1998 with red/auburn hair and brown eyes. Gwendolyn is 5’7 tall and weighs 130 – 160 pounds.
Distinctive Physical Features:
No information available.
Clothing and accessories:
Gwendolyn was last seen wearing a dark colored short sleeve top/t-shirt, black leggings, and black knee-high dress boots with flat sole.
She was carrying a tan/caramel colored leather shoulder bag. She often has her hair in a ponytail.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Gwendolyn Margaret Brunelle please contact the Boise Police Department at (208) 377-6790, or the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 473-5125.
Resources & Further Information
News & Media Links
Boise woman last seen in Jordan Valley, Oregon, still missing – Idaho News 07/2023
Search for missing Boise woman suspended – KTVB 07/2023
The search continues for missing woman Gwen Brunelle – KIVI-TV 07/2023
Videos & Flyers
Given as indicated in the information that she was born in 1998 , the most that she could be is that of 24 , in her 25th year , not as that of 27 years of age , something rather strange that the age of a person cannot be calculated correctly , no wonder the law – enforcement official ‘ s are not pursuing this case .
At what age was some of these photo ‘ s of the missing taken , and also that of other cases ? .
Who was the last person to see her , and under what circumstances ? .
What was the reason for her road trip , given the terrain of the area in which her sedan was found , did it have anything to do with what she was studying towards ? .
Was she an extrovert / introvert by nature ? .
What else could have been the cause for her disappearance ? .