Big Bend Ranch State Park Search and Rescue
December 2, 2024 – This is an ongoing situation and initial information is subject to change. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Nov. 27, 12:30 p.m.: A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway at Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBRSP) for Debra Staples, 56, of Roanoke.
Staples was last seen Tuesday, Nov. 26 around 9:30 a.m. at the West Contrabando Trailhead wearing cycling attire. Her husband returned to the area around 1 p.m., and reports that both she and her bike were gone.
Crews searched until it was no longer safe to do so on Tuesday and ground search efforts were suspended overnight. Aerial searches continued, utilizing drone thermal capabilities. All search efforts resumed at first light Wednesday (Nov. 27).
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel and technological assets activated for the search include Texas Game Wardens, State Park Police Officers, BBRSP staff, UAS pilots and a K9 search team. Additional assets are on standby and will be mobilized as needed.
Other agencies involved in the search include U.S. Border Patrol, the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations and El Paso Fire Department’s Combined Search and Rescue Team (ComSAR).
Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.: Debra Staples, 56, who had been lost at Big Bend Ranch State Park for over 30 hours has been located, alive and well, 20 miles from the point she was last seen.
Soon after her husband left to bike one of the trails on the morning of Nov. 26, Staples decided to try to catch up to him. She was unable to. Upon reaching a crossroads in the trail, she took the wrong trail. After getting a flat tire on her bike, Staples opted to leave it behind. She ended up walking in a circle for five hours, eventually coming upon the bike again. She decided to take it with her and continued walking the trail system until she reached the Sauceda Ranger Station located in the interior of the park. From there, search crews were notified of her location, and she was safely reunited with her family.
