Mystery surrounds the deaths of a prominent San Francisco arts patron and her wealthy husband, who were found dead in a running car on Monday evening, June 15, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Details of the Incident
Judith Sheldon, 84, daughter of Oscar-winning filmmaker William Wyler, and her husband Wylie Sheldon, 86, were discovered inside a red Jeep Compass stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 5 near Redding. Both were unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency care from medical personnel. Judith was in the driver's seat, while Wylie was in the passenger seat.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still investigating the cause of death, though the San Francisco Chronicle reported it was medically related. Some have speculated that the deaths could have resulted from an extreme heat warning that day, when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. The highway patrol has not stated whether heat played a role.
Community Reaction
The couple had attended San Francisco arts events in recent years, including San Francisco Performances events in 2016 and 2022. Judith was a co-chair of its 43rd season gala. She also served as board chair of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, which aims to preserve silent cinema. Members of that community said she was tightly woven with the organization, often hosting welcome parties at her home in the city.
“We are reeling from this news,” Anita Monga, artistic director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, told the Chronicle. “Judy and Wylie were very dear to us, supportive and a positive presence at all our events.”
