Family of missing Van Buren County woman still searching for answers three years later

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Ark. –  Year after year, and month after month, the pain felt by Chelsea Woods’ family grows.

She has now been missing for three years after being last seen near her Clinton home on Aug. 28th, 2022.

Renee Hastings, Chelsea’s aunt, does what she can to keep Chelsea’s face and name in the public eye.

“For three years, we have no answers, we have nothing, nothing,” Hastings said.

A report by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office states that Chelsea Woods made a 911 call that day, and deputies found her on the road near her house. She asked for a specific deputy, who was not available, leading her to run into the woods.

Authorities say they tried to get her to come back out, but that was the last day she was seen.

“I miss her, I miss her a lot, every day, I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I don’t think of her, or what happened, and I pray she didn’t suffer in any type of way,” Hastings said.

Hastings said Chelsea was easygoing, loved her children and pets and is greatly missed.

A search for her took place in 2023, involving dozens of volunteers who scoured the woods, but nothing turned up.

“I don’t want this to go cold, I don’t want this to stop, every day it’s trying to get in touch with an organization to keep it out there,” Hastings said.

Her main goal now is answers and justice, hoping someone, somewhere, knows something to bring Chelsea home.

“I want answers, and if a certain person, or people, are responsible for this, for her being gone, or something happened, I do want justice for her,” Hastings said.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information should contact them at 501-745-2112.