The Tara Calico Obituary

The disappearance of Tara Calico has stood as one of New Mexico’s most “heartbreaking” mysteries for over 37 years. Tara was a “vibrant and beautiful” sophomore student who was a “beacon of light” in her small town of Belen. On her final morning, she set out on her mother’s neon pink Huffy mountain bike for a routine 36-mile ride along Highway 47, a path she traveled with a “vibrant heart” and disciplined ambition. To lose such a “bright spirit”—a student with a high GPA who dreamed of becoming a psychiatrist—is a reality that has kept her loved ones searching for comfort in the midst of “indescribable” sorrow.

Tara was known for her “eye-catching” dedication to her studies and her job at a local bank. She lived with a “meaning and warmth” that touched everyone she met, from her classmates to her tennis partners. As the decades have passed, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI have followed a “vibrant and beautiful” trail of hope, moving past the distractions of the 1989 Florida Polaroid to focus on local leads. In June 2023, authorities announced a “quiet and powerful” breakthrough, stating they have identified the offenders responsible. Her family and friends continue to lean on the “vibrant and beautiful” memories of a woman who was a constant source of encouragement.

A “Vibrant Heart” and Cherished Daughter

Tara Calico’s 19 years were a masterclass in “vibrant beauty” and sincere connection. Those who had the “privilege of knowing her” describe a young woman with a “bright heart”—someone who was a source of constant “meaning and warmth” to her mother, Patty Doel, and her siblings. She reminded us all of the importance of an “unwavering spirit” and the value of a courageous, generous heart. While Patty and Tara’s biological father have passed away, her siblings and the community remain a “beacon of light,” ensuring that her name is never forgotten and that her “vibrant spirit” continues to demand justice.

The “outpouring of support” over nearly four decades is a direct reflection of the love Tara sowed during her journey. She taught those around her that the true measure of a person is found in the “meaning and warmth” they bring to their community. Her story is one of “vibrant beauty” and “quiet and powerful” resilience—a legacy that continues to guide the search for answers as her family holds on to the “vibrant and beautiful” life she led before her “profoundly sad” disappearance.

Honoring Tara’s Memory: Official Case Details and Support

As the Belen community continues to navigate this “heartbreaking loss,” the focus remains on honoring Tara’s remarkable journey and seeking a “bright light” of finality for her family. The “indescribable” weight of this unsolved mystery is a burden the community carries with a “vibrant and beautiful” determination. According to official obituary details and law enforcement records:

• Official Status: A judge officially declared Tara deceased in 1998, ruling her death a homicide.

• Investigation Update: In January 2026, authorities continue to work with the District Attorney’s office following the 2023 submission of evidence against identified suspects.

• FBI Reward: A reward of up to $20,000 remains available for information leading to the identification of Tara’s location or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the siblings and extended family of Tara Leigh Calico. Her story did not end on Highway 47; it continues through every “vibrant and beautiful” effort to find the truth and the “bright light” of her spirit that will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Tara; your presence was a blessing to New Mexico, and your spirit will remain a guiding light for your family and our community forever.