HOUSTON — Danielle Becker Friedland, 36, was found safe around 2:30 a.m. early Wednesday, according to a statement released Wednesday morning by her family. Houston police also confirmed she was found safe.
Houston police said the missing woman’s family alerted them after they got a notification that she had used a credit card recently. Police then found her alone in a motel room on the Eastex Freeway just inside of the 610 Loop.
Here is the family's full statement thanking Houston police and the community:
"We are relieved to say that around 2:30 a.m. last night, with the help of the Houston Police Department, we were able to locate Dani, make contact with her, and she is now safe.
"We wanted to express our deepest gratitude to the Houston community for everything you did to help us find Dani. We were welcomed in with open arms, and without exception received help, love, and incredible support.
"We know there are so many more that helped us over this last week, but we wanted to specifically thank Chief Finner, Commanders Faulhaber and Hassig and the Houston Police Department for their tireless work and determination to find her.
"We also wanted to thank the Impact Houston church. You opened your doors, offered us food and help, and we will be forever grateful for the assistance your congregation provided. Further thanks to the local Jewish community, the Houston Constables, the Homeless Outreach Team, and the incredible shelters and organizations that provide services in Houston. We also wanted to thank the local unhoused community who showed us so much kindness, helped distribute fliers, looked for Dani, and provided us with information on areas to search.
"We are so thankful to you all and so many more for helping us during the hardest week of our lives. As we move into the next steps for Dani and the rest of the family, we ask for privacy so we can begin to heal.
"Thank you, Houston."
Friedland was previously reported missing after she didn't board her flight back home after being treated at a Houston clinic for more than a month, according to police.
Police said she was supposed to get on a flight back to San Francisco from George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Wednesday night, but never boarded. She checked her bag but didn't get on the plane.
Her husband, family members and friends came to Houston to search for her. Jordan Friedland said she was making incredible progress and was discharged to continue treatment in California.
"One of the scariest things for me is that Dani doesn't know Houston. She doesn't have friends or family here. She doesn't have her luggage, her credit cards, her phone and I just can't imagine how scary that must be," Jordan Friedland said at the time. "We have a 2 and 5-year-old and she's the best mom in the world and their world won't be the same without her."
Police said she left the airport in a cab and only had $160 in cash and a debit card.
Menninger Clinic statement
"We are aware of the news coverage about this unfortunate event. Because of patient confidentiality, we cannot confirm the status of any patient or provide any information without patient consent.
"We are deeply saddened by this situation and our hearts go out to the family. We all hope for her safe return."