Wisconsin Woman Emerges from 62 Years of Seclusion

REEDSBURG, Wis. — After 62 years, a long-missing woman, Audrey Backeberg, has been discovered alive in another state. She disappeared from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in 1961, reportedly hitchhiking with her family’s babysitter to Indianapolis. Her fate remained a mystery until recently.

Detective Isaac Hanson, who took over the case in February, reviewed an old arrest record that led to a breakthrough. This finding initiated an investigation that ultimately located Backeberg alive and well, living under the radar.

Hanson indicated that Backeberg left voluntarily, likely escaping an abusive relationship. “She’s happy, safe and secure,” he said, emphasizing her desire for privacy.

Following his assignment to the case, Hanson and officials consulted with Backeberg’s family to explore connections to the area where she was ultimately found. They extensively researched public records, including her sister’s Ancestry.com account, revealing critical information.

Within two months, they identified an address associated with a woman matching Backeberg’s details. A deputy from that jurisdiction was dispatched, and shortly thereafter, Backeberg reached out to Hanson herself. “It happened so fast,” he recalled, surprised by her direct call rather than an update from the deputy.

During their conversation, Hanson sensed the emotional weight of their encounter. Though he withheld specifics, he acknowledged the profound impact of revisiting decades of her life history.

Hanson noted that this discovery after more than six decades is exceedingly rare. While future family reconnections remain uncertain, the detective expressed hope that Backeberg may reach out whenever she feels ready.

“She has my contact number if she needs anything or wants to connect with family,” he said, understanding that the next steps lie entirely with Backeberg.