By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@sbnewspaper.com
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX—The body of a San Benito woman who was reported missing on Monday was recovered Tuesday morning on South Padre Island, according to authorities.
San Benito Police Chief Mario Perea said the 46-year-old woman was found around 10:30 a.m. near Cameron County Beach Access 6.
The woman was reported missing shortly after noon on Monday. Later that afternoon, at approximately 5 p.m., Cameron County Parks Police located her vehicle parked near the beach access. Officers searched throughout the night but were unable to locate her.
Search efforts resumed Tuesday morning, with assistance from San Benito Police Department detectives and a drone.
Authorities at the scene were observed transporting a body bag through the dunes in a vehicle marked with San Benito Police Department identification.
An autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death, but authorities do not suspect foul play. The investigation remains ongoing.
The woman was later identified as Deandra Marie Delgadillo, a biology teacher at VMA San Benito.
News of her death prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, where former students, colleagues, and community members shared memories and condolences.
“She was the sweetest and best teacher ever,” wrote Idelyssa Saucedo. “My heart aches knowing this has happened. She’ll forever be the teacher I look up to. She taught me so much. I still can’t believe this is real.”
Another post shared by Jennifer G. Abrego read, “I’m heartbroken. She will always be my little DiDi. Prayers for her boys and husband.”
San Benito CISD expresses profound sorrow over the passing of our esteemed colleague and devoted educator, Deandra Delgadillo.
On Wednesday, her employer, San Benito CISD, issued a statement in her honor.
“Ms. Delgadillo served as a distinguished freshman science teacher at Veterans Memorial Academy, exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism within her classroom and displaying an unwavering dedication to academic excellence,” the statement read. “During her tenure, she held the position of department chair and was honored by her peers as the Campus Teacher of the Year in 2021.”
“On behalf of the San Benito Board of Trustees, Superintendent of Schools Fred Perez, and the entire district staff, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Delgadillo,” according to the statement.
“We also recognize the significant loss experienced by her students and colleagues at Veterans Memorial Academy. The district will offer counseling services to support students and staff during this difficult time of loss,” the statement concluded.
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