Woman leaves disturbing message before disappearing and is found alive in Mexico a year later

A Ukrainian woman who was reported missing in San Diego County, California, more than a year ago has been found alive in Mexico, according to local authorities.

Ganna Kovrizhnyj disappeared while traveling by road through the United States. Her family lost contact with her on July 5, 2025, and a friend reported her missing a week later.

Her vehicle and a trailer were later found abandoned in Potrero, about seven miles north of the Mexican border. Investigators believe she crossed into Mexico voluntarily, although authorities have not determined why she left the United States.

On August 7, 2026, authorities managed to contact Kovrizhnyj and verify her identity. She was located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Before disappearing, Kovrizhnyj reportedly sent her mother a photograph of a letter along with GPS coordinates. According to an alert issued at the time, the message essentially contained instructions for her personal belongings to be given to her mother.

Kovrizhnyj also used the alias “Angel Volnaya.” A social media account under that name showed her participating in art exhibitions and described her as a “psychic artist” and author of the book Zeroing.

Authorities have notified the Ukrainian Embassy of her whereabouts. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and her decision to travel to Mexico remain unclear.