Woman, 53, reported missing found dead on Southern California freeway

The body of a 53-year-old woman reported missing in San Bernardino County was discovered on the 60 Freeway earlier this month, officials announced Wednesday.

Authorities say the woman, now identified as Chino resident Lisa Culp, reportedly left her home early on the morning of Oct. 4. She was reported missing by her husband at 9:13 a.m. the same morning when she failed to return, a news release from the Chino Police Department stated.

Though there were no immediate signs that the 53-year-old was at risk or in danger, police searched local jails, hospitals, parks and reached out to her friends and relatives.

Culp’s vehicle, which had been entered into a statewide database for a missing person’s bulletin, was discovered abandoned at a gas station in the area of Central Avenue and the 60 Freeway.

“Chino Police personnel reviewed surveillance footage from the area and observed Culp walking away from the gas station in the early morning hours of October 4 and heading northbound on Central Avenue,” police said.

Investigators canvassed the area, including checks at local hotels, but were unable to locate the 53-year-old.

A day later, on Oct. 5, authorities located additional video surveillance of Culp and expanded the search using drones, off-highway vehicles and officers on foot.

“During the search, officers discovered the body of a deceased female on the freeway, which appeared to have been involved in a traffic collision,” the release stated. “The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office has identified the victim found on the freeway as Culp.”

The California Highway Patrol was notified and has since opened a hit-and-run investigation.

“The facts and circumstances surrounding Culp’s disappearance remain under investigation; however, foul play is not suspected at this time,” police said.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Chino PD Det. Barber at 909-334-3144. Potential witnesses to the collision on the freeway or anyone with information regarding the collision are asked to contact CHP at 909-980-3994.

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