Ernest Potts Missing Person Case

Oct 10, 2016

Jan 25, 2024

Ernest

Potts

39

29

66 inches

180 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the summer of 2016, a mother and son from Tucson, Arizona, vanished, leaving behind a mystery that continues to this day. Twenty-nine-year-old Ernest Dale Potts and his 55-year-old mother, Belen Potts, were last seen at their home on the evening of July 14, 2016. The pair, who were known to enjoy the outdoors, had mentioned plans to go hiking and rock collecting in the Redington Pass area the following day. Concerns grew when neither Ernest nor Belen showed up for their scheduled work shifts over the weekend, an act that was highly out of character for them. A report was filed with the Tucson Police Department on July 20, officially marking the beginning of a search for the missing mother and son. The initial search yielded no immediate answers, and the days turned into weeks. A significant break in the case came on July 29, when hikers in a remote section of Redington Pass, near Mile Post 11, discovered the Potts' red 2013 Ford Focus. The vehicle was found off the road and down an embankment, appearing to have gotten stuck before rolling. Near the car, the hikers made a grim discovery: the body of Belen Potts. The Pima County Sheriff's Department's search and rescue team was called to the scene to recover her remains. While the discovery of Belen provided a tragic answer to her whereabouts, it only deepened the mystery surrounding her son, as there was no sign of Ernest anywhere in the vicinity of the vehicle or his mother. Authorities have stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Belen's death, with the prevailing theory being that both she and Ernest may have succumbed to exposure after their vehicle became stranded. The Redington Pass area is known for its rugged terrain and can be unforgiving, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar. Despite the lack of evidence suggesting foul play, the fact that Ernest remains missing has left his case open and his loved ones without closure. The investigation into what happened to Ernest Potts after his car went off the road continues, a silent testament to a day of outdoor recreation that ended in tragedy and an enduring mystery.

Jul 14, 2016

Tucson

Arizona

Pima County

85712

18906

Tucson Police Department

Tucson

Arizona

Pima County

85701

Matthew Golden

Detective

270 South Stone Avenue, Arizona

5207914444

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/police

1607200121

2016-07-20

Tucson Police Department

Red/Auburn

Green

Green

No

07/31/2026