News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has successfully located two women, Sarah Nicole Sullivan and Melinda Michelle Scott, who were reported missing. The quick response and thorough investigation by local authorities ensured the women returned safely, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in addressing missing persons cases. Families reported both women missing on the same day, with the sheriff’s office deploying extensive resources to find them. The incident underscores concerns regarding personal safety and showcases the commitment of local law enforcement to public safety.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office successfully located two missing women on Friday afternoon, July 18, 2025, who had been reported missing by their families earlier that day. The prompt action and thorough investigation by local authorities have ensured that both women are safe and unharmed.
Sarah Nicole Sullivan, a 35-year-old woman, was reported missing by her family around 9:30 a.m. on July 18. Prior to her disappearance, she was last seen and spoke to her family at approximately 3:00 a.m. that same day. The circumstances surrounding her departure remain unclear, as authorities have not yet determined if Sarah left the area on foot or was picked up by someone.
Melinda Michelle Scott, 47, was reported missing just a few hours later, at around 11:00 a.m. on the same day. Melinda had not been seen or heard from since her birthday on June 29 at approximately 9:00 p.m. Due to the significant time elapsed since her last contact, her family had expressed increasing concern for her safety and well-being. Both women were classified as endangered, heightening the urgency for their safe return.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office conducted a detailed investigation, deploying various resources to locate both women. The investigation entailed extensive searching and coordination with the community to gather any information that could assist in their search. Following a systematic effort, authorities managed to locate Sullivan and Scott, ultimately bringing relief to their families.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either woman prior to their recovery to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. Community cooperation often plays a critical role in such investigations, contributing to the swift resolution of cases involving missing persons.
The occurrences surrounding the disappearances of Sarah and Melinda serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of swift action in the face of missing person reports. The proactive response from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office highlights the commitment of local law enforcement to public safety and community well-being. While the specific circumstances that led to the women’s disappearances remain unclear, their safe return is a positive outcome in a potentially dire situation.
Such incidents underscore a growing concern regarding personal safety in the community. Families and friends often rally together to support each other in times of uncertainty, demonstrating the power of unity during challenging times. The quick recovery of Sullivan and Scott is not only a relief for their families but also reinforces community vigilance and the efficacy of law enforcement efforts.
This event marks a successful conclusion to a concerning situation involving two missing women. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that could aid in similar future cases. Community safety is a collective responsibility that requires awareness and action.
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

