Rhonda Stapley

Rhonda Stapley (born 1955) is an American author, retired pharmacist, and public speaker recognized for surviving a 1974 attack by serial killer Ted Bundy. After maintaining silence for nearly 42 years, she published her memoir in 2016, detailing the assault and her lifelong battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Early life and education Stapley grew up in the Latter-day Saint (LDS) faith. In 1974, she was a 21-year-old pharmacy student at the University of Utah.

The 1974 encounter On October 11, 1974, a man in a tan Volkswagen Beetle offered her a ride. The encounter echoed Bundy's voice, leading to a breakdown characterized by insomnia, night terrors, and flashbacks. Seeking help, she found an online pen pal—another woman who had a brush with Bundy—who encouraged her to seek therapy and write her story.

Personal life Stapley is married and has two daughters and has several grandchildren. The book features a foreword by Ann Rule, who verified that Stapley's account aligned perfectly with the known FBI timeline of Bundy's movements in 1974.

She has shared her story on ABC's 20/20, Dr. Phil, and the Reelz docuseries Ted Bundy: The Survivors.

In popular culture She was portrayed by actress Tiffany Shepis in the 2002 film Ted Bundy.