73-year-old Mesa woman found dead 2 days after Silver Alert issued

PHOENIX — The subject of a Silver Alert in Mesa was found dead Thursday morning, two days after she went missing, authorities said.

The body of Mary Deffenbaugh, 73, was located next to her vehicle on the Gila River Indian Reservation, according to the Mesa Police Department.

She’d last been seen Tuesday morning leaving her home near Broadway and Higley roads in Mesa in a grey 2014 Nissan Maxima.

A Silver Alert was issued that evening.

Her family was concerned because she has been diagnosed with dementia and various other medical issues.

Deffenbaugh’s cause of death is being investigated by the Gila River Police Department and Pinal County Medical Examiner.

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