Nicole "Nikki" Winder was 53 years old when she disappeared from Brazos County, Texas, on February 25, 2026. She was last seen at approximately 3:00 p.m. leaving a residence where she worked in the 19000 block of FM 974, northeast of Bryan. Authorities believe she may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury, and her disappearance is being investigated as a suspicious case. 

About an hour after Nikki was last seen, firefighters and deputies responded to a vehicle fire at an oil pad site on FM 974, just north of Highway 21. The burned vehicle was identified as Nikki's white 2025 Chevrolet pickup truck with black rims. Investigators later determined the fire had been intentionally set, classifying it as arson.

After family and friends reported concern for her safety, authorities issued a regional alert followed by a statewide CLEAR Alert. A large-scale search began almost immediately, involving the Brazos County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, FBI, Texas Search and Rescue, Texas EquuSearch, K-9 teams, drones, helicopters, boats, and numerous volunteers. Searchers focused on the area where Nikki was last seen and where her truck was found, but no trace of her was discovered. 

As the investigation continued, detectives released surveillance images showing Nikki's truck and an unidentified green 2014 Polaris Ranger XP 900 ATV that was in the area between approximately 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the day she disappeared. Investigators have said they do not know whether the ATV was involved in Nikki's disappearance, but believe its driver may have witnessed something important and have asked the public to help identify it. 

In April 2026, investigators executed search warrants at two properties along FM 974 as part of the ongoing investigation. 

A significant development came in May 2026 when investigators announced that blood found in a driveway near the property where Nikki was last seen had been positively identified as hers. Authorities stated that the amount of blood indicated she likely suffered a serious injury, increasing concerns that she was the victim of a violent crime. Despite that evidence, Nikki has never been found, and no arrests have been made in connection with her disappearance. 

The Brazos County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case and is asking anyone who was traveling on FM 974 near Jack Creek Road on the afternoon of February 25, 2026, or anyone with surveillance, dash camera, or game camera footage from that area, to come forward. Brazos County Crime Stoppers has offered a $6,000 reward for information that leads to Nikki's location or advances the investigation. 

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Nicole "Nikki" Winder is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff's Office at (979) 361-4900.