UPDATE 1/3/21 — The Gualala woman who went missing last week has been found dead on her own property after a couple day search
The body of Kerry Bonnano, 69 of Gualala, was found by Mendocino County Search and Rescue, according to a social media post from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Bonanno’s body was located on New Year’s Day down a steep ravine on her property in the Gualala area. She was first reported missing on December 30, 2020.
A coroner’s investigation has begun, including a toxicology test, to determine casue of death.
Here’s the post from MCSO, the original article is included below:
On 01-01-21 Sheriff’s Deputies, Mendocino County Search & Rescue volunteers, South Coast Volunteer Fire Department personnel and Redwood Coast Fire Department personnel continued the search for Kerry Ann Bonanno on her property.
Today’s search consisted of approximately 34 people and 2 specially trained dogs.
During a search of a steep wooded ravine on the property, searchers located Bonanno who was deceased. A coroner’s investigation has been initiated to determine the cause, mode and manner of death which is expected to take several weeks to determine due to BA/Toxicology testing (normal protocol).
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the public safety agencies and community members who assisted during the search.
ORIGINAL
MENDOCINO Co., 12/31/20 — Mendocino County Search and Rescue are searching for Kerry Ann Bonanno, a Gualala woman whose last known location was at her home on Old Stage Road. Bonanno is 69 years old, and 5 feet, six inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about her disappearance should contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086.
Bonanno reportedly called a friend around 4 p.m. on December 30, and said she was walking into the woods “because she was despondent,” according to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Friends and family began a search with assistance from the South Coast Fire Department, and continued with Search and Rescue overnight in the vicinity of the 37000 of Old Stage Road. Search and rescue will continue looking for Bonanno this morning, bringing dogs to the vicinity.
Here’s the announcement from MCSO:
Incident Number:
2020-31614Crime/Incident:
Missing Person Adult – Search & RescueLocation:
37000 block of Old Stage Road in Gualala, CADate of Incident:
12-30-2020Time:
5:30 PMVictim(s):
Kerry Ann Bonanno (69 year-old from Gualala, CA)Suspect(s):
N/AWritten By:
Sergeant J. D’OrazioSynopsis:
On 12-30-2020 at about 5:30 PM, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a missing person situation in the 37000 block of Old Stage Road in Gualala, California.Upon arrival Deputies learned several members of the community, family and South Coast Fire Department personnel were searching the area for Kerry Bonanno.
During their investigation, Deputies learned Bonanno had telephoned family/friend and said she was walking away from her home into the woods as she was despondent.
Deputies searched the area during the night but were unable to find Bonanno.
Bonanno is described as being a white female adult, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. Bonanno has blonde hair, blue eyes and it is unknown what clothing Bonanno was wearing when she walked away from her residence.
This investigation is ongoing at this time and anyone with information about Bonanno’s current whereabouts is urged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office by calling 707-463-4086.
The Sheriff’s Office will be deploying Mendocino County Search & Rescue resources for a further search during the morning of 12-31-2020 to include a bloodhound tracking dog to aid in the search.
Further updates will be posted via press release and on the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoSheriff) as they become available.
Sheriff Matthew C. Kendall would like to thank the Mendocino County Search & Rescue volunteers for their continued support and dedication to life saving missions of this nature.
Approved by:
Captain Gregory L. Van Patten #1184