'Don't want it to be real': Community search underway for missing Providence nurse in Beaverton
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A community search is underway for a woman who disappeared from her Beaverton apartment Wednesday morning.
Melissa Marie Jubane, 32, was reported missing after she did not show up for work as a nurse at the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Her co-workers, immediately concerned, contacted the Beaverton Police Department.
Investigators describe Jubane as 5’2” and 120 pounds. Further details about this case have yet to be shared with the public, but officials said they have not found any leads.
After a police search through Wednesday was unsuccessful, community members announced plans to kick off a 7 a.m. search for Jubane on Friday.
“You hear about it and you see about it all around different areas around the world about missing people and when it’s someone that you really care about and you’re really close to, it just doesn’t feel real,” former co-worker Samantha Oregon said. “It’s like you don’t want it to be real.”
An additional search took place at 7:30 p.m., starting in the Beaverton Costco parking lot on 15901 SW Jenkins Rd — near her apartment complex.
Between the two events, at least 100 people showed up to try and help.
Beaverton police reported they have allocated every free resource to the case, including using a blood hound to search the property.
"We're just trying to find answers, for Melissa and her family. you know, trying to find anything that could help us as to her whereabouts," Oregon said. "Whenever she see me little down, she would always bring me back up. So she was definitely like my rock. Whenever I had tough times."
Jubane's brother, also a doctor in the region, is reportedly working closely with detectives. Meanwhile, the family has not yet spoken to the media.
“Everyone has been saying she was a super sweet person, she has a good heart, always wanting to help people,” Vianca Urias, another former co-worker, said. “Everyone — co-workers, friends — a lot of people that came today, that shows a lot of her personality and what kind of person she was.”
Jubane's friends said she was newly married by nearly two weeks and that her disappearance is out of character.
"It's definitely not like her. And she has her, her dog. So I know that she wouldn't want to leave her dog for so long. So that was like her little baby," Oregon said. "It's been very difficult for everyone that knew her and how great of person she is,"
On Wednesday, a Providence Health spokesperson released the following statement regarding Jubane’s disappearance:
“All of us at Providence are holding Melissa Jubane, her family and friends and those who work with her closely in our hearts and in our prayers.
“Melissa is an RN at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. When she did not arrive for her shift yesterday, Melissa’s coworkers were immediately concerned. With the support of the Providences security team, we asked police to check on Melissa. Police have now issued a public call for help in finding Melissa.”
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.