Missing at the Stop: The Haunting Disappearance of Martha Cotrufo

The Unanswered Discharge: An Agonizing Month of Silence

Over a month ago, 60-year-old Martha Louise Cotrufo walked out of Wake Med hospital on September 25th, marking the last known sighting of her. Since then, the city of Raleigh has held its breath, trying to solve a puzzle with no immediate pieces. For her family and friends, this isn’t just a police report; it is an agonizing, daily reality where every ringing phone brings a surge of desperate hope, only to be crushed by silence.

The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are deeply concerning. Ms. Cotrufo is known to rely on the city bus system for her transportation, meaning her last known movements likely occurred in plain sight among commuters and travelers. This fact turns the search from an abstract missing persons case into a chilling mystery embedded in our everyday routine: did someone see her? Did she get on the bus? The emotional weight of this uncertainty—a vulnerable adult vanishing right after receiving care—is a heavy burden on the community’s heart.

From Bus Routes to Billboards: Raleigh Must Mobilize

The Raleigh Police Department is working the case, focusing their efforts along the city’s transit lines. Every bus stop, every terminal, and every bench could hold the key to where Martha Cotrufo went after leaving the hospital. This is where the power of the community becomes vital. We need every regular bus commuter, every driver, and every resident who lives near a main route to pay attention.

If you ride the bus, look at her photo. If you own a business near a route, check your exterior surveillance footage from late September. That fleeting glimpse of a woman fitting her description—a glance you took and immediately forgot—could be the breakthrough. The details are scarce, which means we must treat every common sighting as a potential lead. We cannot afford to let Ms. Cotrufo’s case fade into the background. She is depending on the collective vigilance of a city to find her.

An Urgent Plea: Restore Hope with a Single Call

The heartbreak of this situation demands action, not just sympathy. Ms. Cotrufo’s loved ones need closure, and hopefully, her safe return. It is up to us to transform our concern into a decisive response.

If you were at Wake Med on September 25th, if you saw a woman fitting her description on or near a bus, or if you have any knowledge of her movements, please overcome any hesitation and contact the authorities. The Raleigh Police Department has a dedicated line for information: 919-996-1315. Do not call to commiserate; call to report facts. The longer Martha Cotrufo is missing, the more dangerous her situation becomes. Let’s make sure that her journey doesn’t end in silence, but in the relief of a safe homecoming.