Family of missing Queenstown woman speak out for the first time
Wednesday 30 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
The family and best friend of Erika Rodrigues Coelho have spoken publicly as searches continue for the 47-year-old. Coelho has been missing since 18 September, and her family remains hopeful she will be found safe.
Key facts
4 facts
- Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, missing since 18 September
- Rental Toyota RAV4 found near Coronet Peak on 21 September
- Search involves drones, helicopters, and Land Search and Rescue
- Family resides in Paraná, Brazil
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The family and best friend of Erika Rodrigues Coelho, a 47-year-old paediatric orthopaedic surgeon missing from Queenstown, have spoken publicly for the first time. Coelho has not been seen or heard from since 18 September. Her family in Brazil remains hopeful she may be sheltering somewhere and will be found safe.
A major search is underway involving drones, helicopters, search dogs, Coastguard Queenstown, and Land Search and Rescue volunteers. Coelho's white Toyota RAV4 rental vehicle was located near Coronet Peak on 21 September, having been parked there during the afternoon or evening of 18 September.
Coelho's older brother, Alexandre Coelho, said the family is "in shock" and "devastated". The family only learned she was missing a week after her disappearance when her best friend, Bruna Rech, contacted their mother.
Police have appealed for help identifying a man seen on the Mount Dewar summit track around 12.30pm on Wednesday. The man is described as being of Asian complexion, in his 30s, with a slim build, short dark hair, and is clean-shaven.
Where reports differ
- One report mentions Coelho had previously been reported missing in January in the Nelson Tasman area, while the other does not
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.
