On May 5, 2021 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Aden Lava Flow Wilderness near I-10, mile marker 127 in reference to a possible missing person.
Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA) received a call about a vehicle that appeared abandoned for sometime within the Aden Lava Flow Wilderness, approximately 5 miles southwest of Robert Larson Blvd. The reporting party advised he met the owner of the abandoned vehicle a few months prior to yesterday’s reporting date. Reporting party told deputies he was acquainted with the owner of the vehicle and knew she camped out of her vehicle. Reporting party advised deputies he was flying his drone in the area and noticed her vehicle but no signs of the female in the area. Reporting party told deputies he had a closer look at her vehicle and campsite and it appeared to have been abandoned for quite a while.
On deputy’s arrival, a 2008 white Subaru Forrester bearing Oregon State plates was observed in a remote area. Miscellaneous personal and camping items were located outside of the vehicle. The windows on the vehicle were slightly rolled down. The item’s located on the outside of the vehicle were covered in dirt and appeared to be weathered. Deputies did not locate any foot tracks leading away from the vehicle.
Deputies learned the owner of the vehicle, Natasha Nelson was reported a Missing Person out of Oregon State on April 13, 2021. Deputies made contact with Milwaukie Police Department in Oregon. Milwaukie PD advised Nelson’s parents, residents of Milwaukie, OR, reported her missing after not hearing from her. Nelson’s parents reported their last contact with her was March 18, 2021. Nelson had communicated to her father she would be moving camping locations within the next few days.
Deputies spoke with Nelson’s father, Titus Miller, who advised Nelson often called or texted family and rarely went more than two weeks without some type of communication. Miller told deputies Nelson was an archeologist and often moved to different campsites.
Deputies were able to obtain Nelson’s cell phone from her vehicle. MVRDA advised Nelson’s phone was last turned on more than a month ago. Expired food was also located inside of the vehicle.
DASO deputies conducted a search of the surrounding area by foot and ATV. At this time no new discoveries have been made. Investigation is ongoing.
DASO is requesting the public’s help in locating Natasha Nelson. Below is a photo of Nelson. DASO asks anyone with information regarding Nelson to call DASO 575-525-1911 or MVRDA 575-526-0795.
Information from DASO