Authorities search for ER nurse, mother of 2 who has been missing for more than a week

SAN DIEGO (KFMB) — A California mom has been missing for more than a week.

Oceanside police said Angelica Brophy, 44, was last seen July 6 in Valley Center.

She purchased a parking pass at Palomar Mountain State Park later that day and has not been seen since.

Authorities found her car at the park. Authorities said there was no sign of foul play, but anything is possible.

Brophy is a mother of two and an emergency room nurse. Family describes her as a traveler, hiker and marathon runner.

“She’s an avid hiker, marathon runner, good mom, loving mother,” her brother, Ramon Fabregas, said. “She’s been to this [state park] before and hiked back in February. Their family loves to travel, they’re very adventurous.”

Staff at the hospital where Brophy works, Kaiser Permanente San Marcos Medical Center, said they are deeply concerned for their colleague.

Staff said Brophy is a valued and respected member of their team and that they are hopeful for her safe return.

Efforts were made to find her phone, but it is either off or out of battery.

The last known ping came from Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Valley Center at 3:30 p.m. July 6.

Her brother said there is surveillance footage of Brophy leaving Harrah’s alone. She was not seen on camera again, but there is proof that she purchased a pass to enter the state park at 4:20 p.m.

“There was no surveillance. There are no cameras up there at the gate when you enter the park. There was an attendant at the guard,” Fabregas said.

Brophy had plans with her 12-year-old daughter after summer camp that night and never showed.

Her husband found her car in the state park’s parking lot three days later, about 50 yards from a pond.

“There is no hint of any foul play in the vehicle … I don’t know. The first couple of days bogged my mind with the scenarios and all this, but I just realized that’s just holding me back from being present and trying to figure out what’s best now moving forward for the kids, for the family,” Fabregas said.

Oceanside police, who are leading the investigation, said California State Parks is coordinating the search, along with the sheriff’s department rescue team and divers from the San Diego Harbor Police.

“What’s going through my mind is I just want to get her home,” Fabregas said.