Jupiter, Florida — A Michigan family is desperately searching for answers after a 30-year-old woman disappeared shortly after traveling alone to South Florida, leaving loved ones without contact for more than a month.
Chelsea Bonnell, of Clinton Township, Michigan, boarded a one-way flight from Detroit to Miami on May 24, reportedly hoping to find better work opportunities after telling her family business had slowed where she had been working in the Detroit area.
Since arriving in Florida, however, Bonnell has seemingly vanished, and her family says the complete lack of communication is deeply out of character.
Family Says Her Sudden Silence Raises Serious Concerns
According to her mother, Michelle Clauw, there was nothing unusual about their final conversation before Bonnell left Michigan.
Clauw said her daughter appeared to be in good spirits and had simply been focused on work. While the two did not always speak frequently because of Bonnell’s work schedule, going this long without hearing from her has alarmed the entire family.
“She had just been working, and it’s not unusual for us to not have a whole lot of contact; maybe two or three weeks sometimes with her schedule at work,” Clauw said.
Now, with weeks having passed without a phone call or message, Clauw fears something may have happened after her daughter arrived in Florida.
“It’s not like her, and we do fear that she may be with somebody that’s not allowing contact to us because this is just not her,” Clauw said.
Last Confirmed Sighting Was at a Florida Grocery Store
Investigators say Bonnell was last confirmed on surveillance video inside a Publix supermarket in Jupiter, Florida, on May 26, just two days after arriving in the state.
According to her mother, the footage showed Bonnell shopping by herself and purchasing only a few basic food items before leaving the store.
“They were able to actually have camera footage of her in the supermarket, alone, buying food that was very, very minimal; maybe some lunchmeat and a drink,” Clauw said. “She then did leave Publix in Jupiter and headed out to the parking lot.”
After that sighting, investigators have not publicly confirmed any additional verified sightings of Bonnell.
Debit Card Activity Adds Another Piece to the Mystery
Clauw said she tried calling her daughter on May 26, but the call went unanswered. At first, she believed Bonnell may have simply wanted some time alone.
However, concern grew when communication never resumed.
Investigators later learned that Bonnell’s debit card was used at a Dunkin’ Donuts in West Palm Beach on June 2, although authorities have not determined whether Bonnell herself made the purchase.
Since then, there have been no confirmed updates about her whereabouts, leaving investigators and her family searching for new leads.
Police Continue Asking for Public’s Help
According to the Clinton Township Police Department, Bonnell is described as approximately 160 pounds with blue eyes and below-shoulder-length blonde hair.
She also has several distinctive tattoos, including a spider on her left shoulder, the words “love” and “faith” tattooed on her fingers, and the word “beautiful” across the back of her legs.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Bonnell or has information about where she may be to contact the Clinton Township Police Department at (586) 493-7800 or call 911.
As the search continues, her mother says the family’s only wish is to know that Chelsea is safe.
“I just want her back. I just want to know she’s okay,” Clauw said.
Have you seen this missing person alert or recognize any details that could help investigators? If you have information, contact law enforcement immediately. You can also help by sharing this story to reach more people.
