Missing Sierra Nevada College student safe and back at school

Update 7 a.m. 10/14/15:

Dianne Thacher is no longer missing and returned to her dorm room at Sierra Nevada College Tuesday afternoon. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that she is safe, not injured and that there was no foul play associated with her disappearance.

Thacher allegedly met a male acquaintance from Lompoc when her vehicle received a flat tire. Her cell phone battery died shortly afterwards. Thacher reportedly stayed with the male acquaintance for several days at various locations in Santa Barbara County. When she left to return home, he saw the media coverage indicating that she was a missing person and contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

On a press release, the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office thanked the media’s assistance in its coverage of this missing person case with suspicious circumstances. The Sheriff’s Office stated every missing person case is taken seriously and are always pleased when there is a happy outcome and the person is located safely

Original Story:

A Sierra Nevada College student was last seen on October 6 when she checked out of a motel in Santa Barbara, CA. Dianne Thatcher was reportedly on the coast visiting friends.

The missing Incline Village student's family, who live in Rhode Island, reported her missing to Washoe County, Nevada authorities and to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. They had not heard from Thacher since October 5

She was last seen checking out of a Super 8 Motel on the morning of October 6. The same day, her black Honda CRV, prior to her being reported missing, was found abandoned on the side of the road with a flat tire not far from the motel.

Thacher’s cell phone was traced to an area several miles north of where her vehicle was located. The cell phone has not been active since October 6.

Dianne’s mother, Jacquelyn Thatcher says her 23-year-old daughter has no history of mental illness of any medical issues.

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of Washoe County authorities, have conducted an investigation into her disappearance. Over the past two days, Santa Barbara County Air Support has conducted aerial searches of the areas surrounding where her vehicle was found and where her cell phone was traced. The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team is conducting a ground search of the area.

At this point, there is no evidence to suggest foul play but the circumstances regarding her disappearance are uncharacteristic for her and described by her family as suspicious

The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office is investigating, and says they are trying to get surveillance video from the motel to see if it provides any clues.

Sierra Nevada College also released a statement saying that they are sharing all of the information they have with authorities. They are encouraging anyone with questions or information to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Incline Village substation at (775) 832-4107 or the Santa Barbara Sheriff at 805-683-2724 or to leave an anonymous tip call 805-681-4171.