UW-Madison Student Zoraida Diaz-Minaya Missing

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sun, Feb 2nd, 2026 by Madison.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

MADISON, Wis. - The Madison Police Department (MPD) issued a public plea today, Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, for information regarding the whereabouts of University of Wisconsin-Madison student, Zoraida Diaz-Minaya. The 20-year-old has been missing since Monday, February 19th, and authorities are growing increasingly concerned for her safety.

Diaz-Minaya's disappearance has sparked a focused investigation by the MPD, who are actively pursuing leads but are now extending their reach to the public in hopes of generating new information. The initial 72 hours - often considered crucial in missing person cases - have passed, intensifying the urgency of the search. While the MPD has not released details regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the request for public assistance signals a potential lack of immediate, concrete leads.

Zoraida is described as a Caucasian female, approximately 5-foot-5 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. She has long brown hair and brown eyes. Police have not released information about what she was last seen wearing, presumably to avoid misinformation if witnesses recall different details. This is standard practice in early stages of a missing person investigation.

UW-Madison officials have confirmed Diaz-Minaya is a student, but have refrained from commenting on her field of study or involvement in campus activities, citing privacy concerns and deferring to the MPD's ongoing investigation. However, sources within the university indicate that she is considered a dedicated student with no history of uncharacteristic behavior. This lack of any readily apparent reason for her disappearance adds to the mystery.

The MPD is asking anyone who may have seen Zoraida Diaz-Minaya since Monday, February 19th, or who has any information regarding her possible location, to come forward. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial in locating her. Individuals are urged not to approach her if sighted, but instead to immediately contact the authorities.

Those with information can contact the Madison Police Department directly at 608-255-2345. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers offers a confidential avenue for reporting tips at 608-243-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted online through the P3 Tips mobile app or at https://www.p3tips.com/. The MPD emphasized that all tips, regardless of how small they may seem, will be thoroughly investigated.

This case echoes a nationwide trend of increasing concern over student safety on and around college campuses. While many campuses have robust safety protocols, including emergency alert systems and campus police forces, missing person cases still occur. Often, these cases are resolved quickly with the individual returning safely, but the initial hours are fraught with anxiety and uncertainty for family, friends, and the wider community. The UW-Madison campus, like many large universities, is interwoven with the city of Madison, presenting unique challenges for search efforts.

University counseling services are available to students impacted by Diaz-Minaya's disappearance. The University Health Services provides mental health support and resources to students dealing with stress and anxiety related to the situation. The MPD is coordinating with the university to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The public's assistance is vital in bringing Zoraida Diaz-Minaya home safely. Anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the UW-Madison campus or surrounding areas on Monday, February 19th, is encouraged to review their memories and report anything that might be relevant to the investigation.