Queenstown police have paused their active search for 47-year-old missing Brazilian national Erika Rodrigues Coelho after extensive operations around Coronet Peak. Authorities and volunteers deployed drones, helicopters, search dogs, and water crews since she was reported missing on September 20, though her rental vehicle was discovered earlier at Skippers Saddle.
Police Pause Search Operations Near Coronet Peak
Police in Queenstown announced the difficult decision to pause the large-scale search operation for Erika Rodrigues Coelho following weeks of ground and air tracking. The 47-year-old had not been seen or heard from since September 18, prompting a missing person report on September 20.
The intensive operation utilized Land Search and Rescue volunteers, Coastguard crews from Queenstown and Clyde, search dogs, drones, and helicopters. Searchers scoured terrain stretching from Fiordland to Omarama, while ski lodge managers supplied accommodation to support the incoming teams. Sergeant Terry Wood noted that an official evaluation will take place when appropriate to determine the subsequent steps for the search operation.
Investigators Locate Rental Car Near Skippers Saddle
Her rental Toyota RAV4 was found parked at Skippers Saddle on September 21. Authorities believe the vehicle was left there during the afternoon or evening of September 18. As part of ongoing inquiries, police previously appealed for public assistance to identify a man seen on the summit track in the Mount Dewar area around 12:30pm on the day she vanished.
The individual is described as being of Asian complexion, in his 30s, of average to taller height, with a slim build, short dark hair, and clean-shaven.
Family and Friends Describe Rodrigues Coelho as Dedicated
Back in Brazil, Rodrigues Coelho’s family described themselves as devastated and in shock. Her older brother, Alexandre, described his sister as dedicated, truthful, authentic and deeply private. Loved ones maintained lingering hopes that she might have found shelter in a place like a hut and would eventually turn up unharmed. Bruna Rech, a dentist residing in North Carolina who counts herself as a friend, first crossed paths with Erika while both were employed at the same Florianopolis hospital in Brazil back in 2021.
The friends last spoke on September 16, having a normal, friendly conversation about their lives. Rech noted that Erika was passionate about sport, including running, cycling and hiking, and had completed a marathon and several half-marathons. Rech also shared that Erika had confided in her before her disappearance that she had been feeling sad about personal matters.
Rodrigues Coelho arrived in New Zealand in 2024 to improve her English at LSNZ, with the ultimate goal of having her medical qualifications recognized. She was most recently working in retail and living in Shotover alongside her Kiwi partner. Local neighbor Jihane Sato remembered seeing her walking in their neighborhood the week she disappeared.
Despite the operational pause, close friends maintain hope for a positive resolution.
While a couple of weeks has passed since Erika’s disappearance, she is an incredibly strong woman, we are therefore remaining optimistic that this concludes (hopefully soon) with a good outcome.
Brett Squire, close friend of Erika Rodrigues Coelho
Squire also praised the exhaustive efforts of the emergency responders, noting that family and friends remain absolutely focused on Erika and her safe return
. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Herald was informed by the Brazilian Embassy in Wellington that they had monitored the situation from the very beginning and maintained ongoing communication with both Erika’s relatives and Queenstown law enforcement.
Authorities Keep Investigation Open For New Leads
Although active ground searches are temporarily suspended, police maintain that the investigation remains open. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Sergeant Terry Wood mentioned that anybody possessing details concerning Erika’s current whereabouts is urged to get in touch with law enforcement via 105.police.govt.nz or by dialing 105, referencing the case number 260921/8173, or alternatively to reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.