Although the Missing Endangered Person Advisory issued on June 24th for Monica Rose Downs has now expired, she remains missing—and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to appeal for any information in relation to her disappearance or whereabouts. As the moment approaches when the days since Monica vanished might turn into weeks, all investigators on her trail will consider every possible clue to be of value in the effort to return her home safely.
Born on January 27th, 1982, Monica is 39 years old. She is reported to have been wearing a white tank top, black and white yoga pants, and a pair of black flip-flops on the day she disappeared. Monica is described as 5’7” tall, weighing around 105 pounds, and has long black hair and brown eyes. Monica was last seen near the Montana city of Bozeman, on Interstate-90 around mile marker 321.
- Disappearance Under Concerning Circumstances
On Thursday 24th June 2021, Monica Rose Downs was traveling from Washington through the Bozeman area in the company of her boyfriend. The two are thought to have stopped at the pullout area at the top of the Bozeman Pass, where it is believed they entered into an argument. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office quickly issued a Missing Endangered Person Advisory, calling on any member of the public with information to come forward.
The Bozeman Pass is situated between Bozeman and Livingston, and separates the Bridger and Gallatin mountain ranges—making this stretch of Interstate-90 a key corridor for travelers making their way across the state. The area is also popular with hikers and climbers.
While little information has been shared with the public in regard to the events that led up to the moment when Monica is thought to have vanished, the MEPA states, “There is a concern for Monica’s safety due to some of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.” She has not been seen or heard from since the argument. No details have been shared as to what happened to her boyfriend, what vehicle they were driving, or whether any other parties may be involved.
- The Second Disappearance Within A Fortnight
The city of Bozeman is home to Montana State University and lies nestled within the iconic Rocky Mountains, in close proximity to Yellowstone Park. Despite its small size and scenic surroundings, Bozeman has recently been no stranger to missing persons. Less than two weeks before Monica’s disappearance, a Missing Endangered Person Advisory was also issued for 14-year-old Jodi Parsons. Following an alert was raised when the teen was thought to have run away with the intention of hitchhiking to Oregon, she was happily found safe and well within 24 hours.
While a greater period of time has elapsed since the disappearance of Monica Rose Downs, there can be no doubt that those endeavoring to find her will be hoping for the same secure fate as Jodi. A recent analysis of missing persons cases in the state of Montana highlighted that there is no difference between the number of females and males who go missing, and that the vast majority—97.7% of the individuals within the three-year period examined—were located or recovered.
- Monica Is Still Missing
On Saturday 26th June, just as the MEPA was set to expire, a local alert was widely distributed: “THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MONICA ROSE DOWNS HAS EXPIRED. MONICA IS STILL MISSING. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON MONICA DOWNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 406-582-2100 OR CALL 911.”
Even though no new information has come to light within the public sphere, the search for Monica Rose Downs remains just as pressing, and readers are encouraged to be alert to any indication of her whereabouts or well-being.