Alisa Goods, a 63-year-old grandmother, was found dead near Harry Reid International Airport after vanishing during a visit to Las Vegas. Her family had received suspicious texts from her phone asking for Bitcoin.
Washington DC, United States Aug 22, 2026 ALN: A New York grandmother who vanished without a trace while visiting Las Vegas earlier this month has been found dead, her family announced Friday. Alisa Goods, a 63-year-old grandmother of five, was reported missing on August 10, two days after she was last seen leaving a friend's apartment near Maryland Parkway and Tropicana Avenue, according to her family and a missing person report obtained by local news.
The circumstances surrounding Goods' disappearance and subsequent death have raised numerous questions and concerns among her family, friends, and the public. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police responded early Thursday after a caller reported a "deceased woman in a drainage ditch area near Wayne Newton Boulevard and the Terminal 1 parking garage at Harry Reid International Airport," according to reports. Officers located a woman who was later identified as Goods and pronounced dead at the scene.
"Our hearts are broken. We were notified that my aunt was found—unfortunately, not the way we wanted her to be," Goods' niece, Alana Calloway, said in a statement. The emotional toll of losing a loved one under such mysterious circumstances is palpable, and the family is left grappling with the loss as they seek answers.
Police reviewed surveillance footage that appeared to show Goods falling down an embankment, getting back up, and then collapsing on August 8, the day she disappeared, with "no further movement observed after that." This footage has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance and eventual death.
Goods had been staying with her longtime friend Roger John, who told local news that she left his apartment around 12:45 p.m. on August 8 to take a bus to a nearby CVS to buy iron pills but never returned. "Last I saw her, she was going down the stairs. And I said, 'OK, see you later.' And that's the last time I saw her," John recounted. This seemingly mundane errand took a tragic turn, leading to a series of events that would ultimately end in heartbreak for her family.
After Goods went missing, her family began receiving unusual text messages from her phone on August 12, four days after she was last seen. The sender allegedly asked for gas money and Bitcoin, requests that raised suspicions because Goods did not drive and did not have a car in Las Vegas. "I said, 'What do you need gas for? The car?' My aunt does not drive. There is no car," Calloway told the media. These messages added to the family’s concerns, suggesting that someone may have been attempting to exploit her absence or that her phone had been compromised.
The family expressed their gratitude for the public's support during this difficult time, stating, "This is an unimaginable time. Words cannot describe the pain our family is experiencing right now. We just want to thank the public for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We also want to thank the media for helping bring attention to this situation. This hurts so deeply. We are still trying to learn the details surrounding her death. We ask for continued prayers and privacy as we grieve." The community's response highlights the compassion that often emerges in times of tragedy, as people come together to support those in need.
As the investigation continues, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has been contacted for additional information regarding the case. The police are likely focusing on several key areas, including the surveillance footage that captured Goods' last known movements, the unusual text messages sent from her phone, and any potential witnesses who may have seen her after she left the apartment. Authorities may also be looking into her personal history, including her mental and physical health, to better understand the circumstances leading to her disappearance.
The tragic case of Alisa Goods underscores the broader issues surrounding missing persons, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The disappearance of individuals, especially those who may be less mobile or have health issues, raises concerns about their safety and well-being. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness and advocacy for better resources and support systems for missing persons, particularly in urban areas where the risks can be heightened.
Furthermore, the implications of this case extend beyond the immediate tragedy. It raises important questions about public safety, the effectiveness of communication during emergencies, and the need for community vigilance. As more people travel and engage in activities away from their homes, ensuring their safety becomes a collective responsibility that requires awareness and proactive measures.
In conclusion, the investigation into Alisa Goods' death is ongoing, and her family is left to navigate the painful aftermath of her loss. As they seek answers and justice, the community continues to rally around them, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and support in times of crisis. The hope is that through this tragic event, awareness will be raised not only about the specific circumstances surrounding Goods' death but also about the broader issues of missing persons and public safety.
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