Arizona Woman who Disappeared Under Mysterious Circumstances found Dead in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Authorities have identified the body of a woman recovered from a canal in Scottsdale as 28-year-old Passion Schurz (also referred to as Passion Elliah Schurz), a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who had been reported missing just days earlier.

Scottsdale police said a passerby spotted the body in the water near Indian Bend and Hayden roads—close to the Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club—around 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Officers and firefighters, assisted by crews from the Salt River Project and Central Arizona Project, recovered the body from the Arizona Canal. A death investigation was immediately launched.

Initial identification was confirmed through distinctive tattoos, physical characteristics, and clothing descriptions, in coordination with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office and Salt River police. Schurz had been reported missing from the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community on March 22; she was last seen alive at her home on March 19, according to some reports. She was described as a mother of two.

Police have not released details on the cause or manner of death, which will be determined by the medical examiner. Investigators are still working to piece together how Schurz ended up in the canal and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death. No foul play has been confirmed or ruled out at this early stage of the investigation.

The discovery briefly sparked online speculation linking the case to the separate disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from Pima County, but Scottsdale police quickly clarified there is no apparent connection between the two incidents. Guthrie’s case remains under investigation by Pima County authorities.

Schurz’s death has drawn attention to the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Arizona and across the country. Community members and tribal leaders have expressed sorrow over the loss of the young mother.

As the investigation continues, Scottsdale police are asking anyone with information about Schurz’s movements in the days before she was reported missing to contact detectives. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has also been involved in the identification process.

This tragedy comes amid ongoing efforts by tribal nations and law enforcement to address cases involving missing Indigenous persons. Further updates are expected as the medical examiner’s findings and police investigation progress.

17GEN4.com

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