San Francisco socialites found dead on side of Interstate 5 [View all]

https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/san-francisco-patrons-dead-22310168.php

San Francisco socialites found dead on side of Interstate 5

The San Francisco arts community is mourning the loss of Judith and Wylie Sheldon, longtime patrons of film and performances in the city. On Monday evening, a California Highway Patrol officer discovered the couple’s bodies inside their car on the side of Interstate 5 north of Redding. Judy was 84, and Wylie was 86.


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The Sheldons lived in Pacific Heights and often opened their home to artists, hosting visitors in town for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, where Judy was a chairman on the board.


“They were so dear and devoted to one another,” said Anita Monga, the artistic director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. “I know that being part of San Francisco was very important for them. They were in a position to be supportive of the arts. They raised their family here, and they were such integral parts of the community.”

Lieutenant Josh Smith with the CHP told SFGATE that the couple was traveling to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival when, on June 15 around 5:46 p.m., a CHP officer checked on their Jeep Compass parked along the highway approaching Lake Shasta. The car’s engine was still running, and the couple was found unresponsive inside.

“We don’t have a lot of information now,” Smith said. “An autopsy has not been performed yet. We’re waiting to hear when they’ll schedule that.”

Smith said they do not suspect foul play. Investigators are contacting family and friends for more information, as well as retracing the couple’s journey from the Bay Area to check where they stopped along the way.