View Full Version : Help Locate Missing Teen!
Ladyofthewoods
04-20-2021, 04:56
Please contact authorities if you see a young person on the trail- redheaded/freckles. May be attempting to get on the trail near Roanoke. She has run away from home. I know her family personally. This is a young girl going through a crisis and needs to be home and safe. They are frantic as any loving family would be! I don’t know how to post the picture they are circulating.?
ChrisMek
04-20-2021, 09:05
Here is the Picture from Facebook
47869
Has anybody contacted Outdoor Trails with the info? They'd be an obvious stop for her if she needs any gear.
Told the mother on the thread to call Roanoke PD and DEmascus PD to let them know. She was given some good advise on the thread.
needlefish
04-20-2021, 19:58
Has anybody contacted Outdoor Trails with the info? They'd be an obvious stop for her if she needs any gear.
according to a facebook post by her mom she's fully outfitted and she's an experienced backpacker
Fair enough. But I'm a reasonably experienced backpacker after thirty years of it and still need things from the outfit by the trailhead from time to time.
needlefish
04-20-2021, 20:05
yup, eventually she's gonna have to resupply i would think.
nsherry61
04-21-2021, 12:46
Not to be too harsh or inappropriate here, but it's spring, this teen is experienced outdoors and trying to escape family to address personal issues while hiking a trail. Sound familiar? Why is the family concerned with getter her back under control and "safe" instead of reaching out to make sure people are aware and to please let them know if she is okay? This whole post raises red caution flags for an abusive or otherwise over-controlling relationship to me. I'm not suggesting there is anything wrong here. I know nothing about this situation. But then, nothing much was shared. It just sounds concerning the way it is being presented, AND where better (safer?) for a troubled teen to be than hiking a trail in the spring?
In hindsight I agree with you, nsherry. Especially in the light of some other things that came up about the family's posts yesterday. Definitely a concerning family situation.
Alligator
04-21-2021, 17:29
She is 16 and a minor and that makes her a runaway.
Facts about runaways: (https://www.comec.org/runaways/)
1/3 of runaways may be lured into prostitution or pornography within 48 hours of being on the street
Majority of runaways may use or try drugs
Majority of kids on the streets steal for survival
Majority of runaways are girls
Majority of teen prostitutes (both boys & girls) were sexually abused
Sbe's not thinking clearly. I don't know her, but most anybody tells me they are packing their backpack with a fishing pole, some hunting knives, and a book on edible herbs to go live off the land, I'd tell them I'd see them in a few weeks if not sooner. If you can do that, you don't need the book. An Ariel 65 is what she has, not the size pack to live off the land. Sub-freezing temperatures in the Roanoke area tonight. Running off into the woods isn't going to solve her problems, school's not out for the summer either.
A flaming red-haired, freckled, 5'5" backacker with a black pack and braces, not hard to spot if you are a hiker.
She is 16 and a minor and that makes her a runaway.
Facts about runaways: (https://www.comec.org/runaways/)
1/3 of runaways may be lured into prostitution or pornography within 48 hours of being on the street
Majority of runaways may use or try drugs
Majority of kids on the streets steal for survival
Majority of runaways are girls
Majority of teen prostitutes (both boys & girls) were sexually abused
Sbe's not thinking clearly. I don't know her, but most anybody tells me they are packing their backpack with a fishing pole, some hunting knives, and a book on edible herbs to go live off the land, I'd tell them I'd see them in a few weeks if not sooner. If you can do that, you don't need the book. An Ariel 65 is what she has, not the size pack to live off the land. Sub-freezing temperatures in the Roanoke area tonight. Running off into the woods isn't going to solve her problems, school's not out for the summer either.
A flaming red-haired, freckled, 5'5" backacker with a black pack and braces, not hard to spot if you are a hiker.
I agree with you. She needs to be returned to the family running away isnt fixing anything.
Ladyofthewoods
04-21-2021, 18:58
Nsherry, I know this family. Not sure what post you interpreted, but this young girl is an athlete who had a plan that was drastically changed by an injury. And a teen, hence, confusion with life stresses. But abuse? Controlling family? Good grief. When did it become wrong to want your 16 year old home safe? Yes, she’s experienced in the outdoors. But not experienced with predators.
Slo-go'en
04-21-2021, 19:31
The fact she felt she had to run away, what ever the reason, is a good indication those reasons were not being addressed properly. When she returns or is returned home, hopefully those issues will be properly addressed.
Unless she was able to secure some cash when she left, having no money will be an issue and is what leads to what Alligator posted. Once she realizes one can't live off the land and has no money, hopefully she will return home and not take other routes.
Nsherry, I know this family. Not sure what post you interpreted, but this young girl is an athlete who had a plan that was drastically changed by an injury. And a teen, hence, confusion with life stresses. But abuse? Controlling family? Good grief. When did it become wrong to want your 16 year old home safe? Yes, she’s experienced in the outdoors. But not experienced with predators.
I am seeing the same indication on another site. Where is this bs coming from.. I was on the original thread on FB. LIke you have said the parents are very concerned and the mom was upfront about that. I hope shes returned soon...
TJ aka Teej
04-21-2021, 20:23
If you encounter young Andrew, let them know their family is looking for them.
If you feel the need to call anyone, call the police.
gpburdelljr
04-21-2021, 21:26
“Anyone with information is asked to call the Norfolk Police Department’s non-emergency number at (757) 441-5610 (tel:(757) 441-5610).”
The above excerpt is from the following link.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/norfolk-police-searching-for-16-year-old-runaway-whos-possibly-heading-to-west-virginia/
Mike Goodman
04-21-2021, 22:01
Good thing she's not "on the streets".
Alligator
04-22-2021, 01:27
The fact she felt she had to run away, what ever the reason, is a good indication those reasons were not being addressed properly. When she returns or is returned home, hopefully those issues will be properly addressed.
Unless she was able to secure some cash when she left, having no money will be an issue and is what leads to what Alligator posted. Once she realizes one can't live off the land and has no money, hopefully she will return home and not take other routes.That first sentence is not necessarily true at all. She could be in suitable counseling or treatment for whatever hypothetical issue and still run away. Said counseling or treatment may not be working or effective but it doesn't mean that issues aren't being addressed "properly".
Good thing she's not "on the streets".Is she home already or not. I guess she could be sipping hot chocolate by a fire, grilling some fish on her campfire, all cozy in her winter gear. Or maybe sitting outside a Greyhound Station. Is running away to live in the woods somehow super safe for runaways? Maybe but she started out with a bicycle and a cab ride to Roanoke. And Roanoke is not on the trail. You'd still have to get over to say Blacksburg and then a little further. Then there is speculation she may be trying to get to WV, so she might be on the highways.
nsherry61
04-22-2021, 01:56
Nsherry, I know this family. Not sure what post you interpreted, but this young girl is an athlete who had a plan that was drastically changed by an injury. And a teen, hence, confusion with life stresses. But abuse? Controlling family? Good grief. When did it become wrong to want your 16 year old home safe? Yes, she’s experienced in the outdoors. But not experienced with predators.
First, let me reiterate that I am NOT privy to enough information to pass any judgment on the situation of this girl and/or her family! I commented only on my impression and thoughts based on what you originally posted. I understand that you may disagree with me, but when someone says a troubled run-away teen girl needs to be home and safe, I question the wisdom of the messenger. For far too many young teen women home and safe are NOT synonymous regardless of the outward impressions provided by the family to people that "know them". If a teen is running away, it is generally because they do not believe it is either physically or emotionally safe for them to be at home, regardless of the reality of the situation. In the long run, home may be the safest place to be. But, just going home, especially being forced home, is unlikely to resolve the problems that lead to the running away. What is often needed is either the teen to have some independence that leads to them appreciating home more (foibles and all), or there needs to be some professional intervention/assistance in the troubled home relationships.
Either way, the OP did not give any credence to potentially legitimate concerns of the teen and only a cry for help to return the teen to the situation she had just ran away from as if her concerns are not to be taken seriously. AND, that is not healthy.
I am seeing the same indication on another site. Where is this bs coming from.. I was on the original thread on FB. LIke you have said the parents are very concerned and the mom was upfront about that. I hope shes returned soon...
I'm not sure what you are referring to as bs here.
And finally, as to Alligator's statistics:
I do not believe that my concerns are unfounded as a study from the 80's suggested,
"Seventy-three percent of the runaways had been physically beaten, and 43 percent of them cited physical abuse as an important reason for leaving home."
I am NOT suggesting that this girl was abused. I am only suggesting that forcing a teen runaway back home where it is "safe" is NOT by default the best thing for that teen. Making sure they are in a safe place and have access to help is what is important. And for me when I was a teen and for many teen women I have known in my life, backpacking would be a very good and safe thing to be doing.
Traveler
04-22-2021, 07:35
Yeah, young teenaged girl runs away and living on her own on trail and in town. What can possibly go wrong.
I hope this young woman is found unharmed soon so a solution can be engaged to resolve the issues she apparently has, be it with parents, or the turn of events that paused or changed her intended path into the future.
stephanD
04-22-2021, 09:00
I passed through Roanoke twice for section hikes and I can tell you that this otherwise quintessential little town has a creepy side especially around the Greyhound bus station. If this young lady wants to get on the trail, the best way is to take the bus to Blacksburg and then a shuttle (in my case, to Pearisburg with the Hiker's Heaven hostel). If she wants to go to WV, then she will have to take a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train to DC. So, her options to get out of Roanoke are limited and I would be surprised if she's not found yet.
I passed through Roanoke twice for section hikes and I can tell you that this otherwise quintessential little town has a creepy side especially around the Greyhound bus station.
I've lived here 30 years and never found the 'creepy' side of Roanoke. Fascinating.
Seatbelt
04-22-2021, 09:36
If she wants to go to WV, then she will have to take a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train to DC. So, her options to get out of Roanoke are limited and I would be surprised if she's not found yet.
Why? It depends on where in WV. Pearisburg is right next to WV.
Ladyofthewoods
04-22-2021, 09:49
a teen is running away, it is generally because they do not believe it is either physically or emotionally safe for them to be at home, regardless of the reality of the situation.
Your ‘general’ assumption is based on what? And a quote of a study from the 80’s is off point totally. I told you life threw a curveball at an athlete who had plans destroyed by an injury. It sent a teen girl into a tailspin. She has been supported in all her activities, not emotionally or physically abused. Teens can run away for various reasons. I continue to beg for help on my friends behalf to find their daughter so they can get her whatever help she needs.
Thank you for any and all positive prayers. No cynicism needed.
Alligator
04-22-2021, 11:13
I've lived here 30 years and never found the 'creepy' side of Roanoke. Fascinating.I've ridden the Greyhound and other buses along the I81 corridor many times. I have personally heard some sketchy conversations coming from sketchy people which is why I specifically mentioned a Greyhound station, many of which, at the risk of overuse, are sketchy. Roanoke station does not stand out in my mind particularly but it's the people using the bus that one should be alert for.
Why? It depends on where in WV. Pearisburg is right next to WV.No real "target" for living off the land on the WV side, there's not really much public land there. Biggest remote area would be the Monongahela National Forest and from Roanoke that would mean getting to I64. I don't think Greyhound runs along I64 into WV though. If the NF in WV is her destination, Amtrak from Clifton Forge is near Roanoke, but at that point she would be in the George Washington Jefferson NF which borders the Monongahela and WV. Amtrak would take you to White Sulphur Springs or Lewisburg though if she is super intent on getting into WV. If her family has traveled to somewhere specific that could be a destination she is familiar with and has in mind.
I've ridden the Greyhound and other buses along the I81 corridor many times. I have personally heard some sketchy conversations coming from sketchy people which is why I specifically mentioned a Greyhound station, many of which, at the risk of overuse, are sketchy. Roanoke station does not stand out in my mind particularly but it's the people using the bus that one should be alert for.
No question - individual people are certainly a concern. I just found stephanD's comment bizarre and off base.
Alligator
04-22-2021, 11:40
Folks it's not really appropriate to be speculating on this young person's family situation. Her safety is at immediate risk as a runaway and there are services available both public and private should she need them at home. And at a fundamental level, the young woman is truant, whether she is in school full time, virtual or homeschooled, she's not currently there. Let's keep it to getting her home safely and leave her and her family's private matters private.
ldsailor
04-22-2021, 12:22
It's been very interesting reading the speculation on the young woman's reason for leaving home. Let me add my own personal experience. At 16, the day before final exams of my junior year of high school, I walked two blocks from my home in a Chicago suburb to a mildly busy two lane, city street and stuck out my thumb. A week later I was in Los Angeles. I was mad at my parents for not letting me take my car on a trip to a resort town with some of my friends. Other than that, which I considered the ultimate in abuse, life was pretty good in my middle class home - not perfect by any means - but pretty good.
Kids do stupid things for many reasons and it doesn't necessarily indicate abuse. If my father would have explained to me that my car's tires were bald and showing the inner core making them very dangerous, I probably would never have left.
Never did take those junior year finals.
47885
stephanD
04-22-2021, 12:38
No question - individual people are certainly a concern. I just found stephanD's comment bizarre and off base.
don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my stay in Roanoke and I even spoiled myself with one night at the historic Hotel Roanoke. What i'm saying is I arrived late afternoon from Blacksburg to the Greyhound bus station and couldn't help but to notice the vagabonds, panhandlers and homeless wandering around. did not bother me personally, i'm used to it here in NYC but for a 16 y/o it can be unsettling, that's all.
I guess if the very first thing you see of town is the surroundings of the bus stop, that could make sense.
TexasBob
04-22-2021, 17:18
.........Kids do stupid things for many reasons and it doesn't necessarily indicate abuse. If my father would have explained to me that my car's tires were bald and showing the inner core making them very dangerous, I probably would never have left............
Well put. Adolescents generally haven't developed mature decision making skills, they see the world differently from adults and are emotionally immature so they are prone to making poor decisions. To infer abuse as the reason this teenager left home is unwarranted and with the police involved now hopefully any thing of that nature would be discovered and investigated. I hope she is safe and returns to her parents unharmed.
It's been very interesting reading the speculation on the young woman's reason for leaving home. Let me add my own personal experience. At 16, the day before final exams of my junior year of high school, I walked two blocks from my home in a Chicago suburb to a mildly busy two lane, city street and stuck out my thumb. A week later I was in Los Angeles. I was mad at my parents for not letting me take my car on a trip to a resort town with some of my friends. Other than that, which I considered the ultimate in abuse, life was pretty good in my middle class home - not perfect by any means - but pretty good.
Kids do stupid things for many reasons and it doesn't necessarily indicate abuse. If my father would have explained to me that my car's tires were bald and showing the inner core making them very dangerous, I probably would never have left.
Never did take those junior year finals.
47885
Said well and so true. But it seems some like to speculate and create more to this and use a false narative. it was explained by a hiker who is a friend of the family.
Pringles
04-24-2021, 15:07
Has the girl been found? Seen? Are there any updates?
needlefish
04-27-2021, 18:36
Has the girl been found? Seen? Are there any updates?
she has not been found and per her moms post yesterday she is believed to be train hoping and not on the AT as original thought.
Pringles
04-27-2021, 22:16
Thank you, Needlefish. I got distracted by all the drift, and wondered about the person. Thanks for the update.
Dropdeadfred
05-10-2021, 11:35
Girl was noticed and reported to LEO,, back with parents.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/norfolk-teen-reported-missing-in-april-found-safe-in-roanoke/
AsoloBootsSuk
05-10-2021, 11:46
Good outcome!
Awesome so nice to have some good news!!