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The Express Gazette
Sunday, September 27, 2026

Remains of Missing Mother of Three Identified After Wildfire

Joanne Sheen, who vanished in February 2020, was identified after her remains were discovered following a wildfire, prompting her best friend to speak out about their close bond and her mysterious disappearance.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Remains of Missing Mother of Three Identified After Wildfire

Joanne Sheen, a mother of three who mysteriously disappeared in February 2020, has been identified after her remains were discovered following a wildfire. Her best friend, Rachel Roussel, has broken her silence to recount their enduring friendship and the perplexing circumstances surrounding Sheen's vanishing.

Roussel described Sheen and her friends as having a close-knit "mum gang," a bond reminiscent of the one depicted in the television series "Motherland." The two women first met in Southampton in 2003, when Roussel was a new mother. Their friendship spanned 15 years, marked by shared experiences and support.

The pair first met in Southampton in 2003 when Rachel (right) was a new mum

However, in the period leading up to her disappearance, Roussel noted a change in Sheen's behavior and appearance. "She had become increasingly concerned about Jo's behaviour and appearance," Roussel stated. Their last encounter was a chance meeting in late 2019, although Sheen had been gradually withdrawing from Roussel's life. This gradual distancing, coupled with her eventual disappearance, has left Roussel and others questioning the reasons behind her vanishing.

Rachel (left) and Jo at one of their infamous Halloween parties... their last time together was a chance meeting in late 2019, although Jo had been slowly slipping out of Rachel's life

Sheen's disappearance in February 2020 triggered a significant manhunt. The recent discovery of her remains after a wildfire has brought a somber conclusion to the search, but raises further questions about the circumstances that led to her vanishing.

Joanne Sheen disappeared in February 2020, sparking a huge manhunt

Joanne with her daughter... some wonder whether postnatal depression played a part in her disappearance

Rachel Roussel (right) with Joanne... they had known each other for 15 years

Some speculate whether factors such as postnatal depression may have played a role in Sheen's disappearance, though no definitive cause has been established.


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