Missing child found in snowstorm after multi-agency effort in southern Colorado

On November 10, 2024By Pranco

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A child who went missing in the snow is recovering from cold-related injuries after a multi-agency effort to find her.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said they received a call about a missing 8-year-old near Soap Weed Drive and Mid Jones Road in eastern El Paso County on Friday at 10:30 p.m. They said they discovered she had become lost after her family’s vehicle became stuck in the snow. Then the family started looking for her.

According to the 11 Breaking Weather team, several inches of snow fell during this search.

Deputies said multiple agencies were called to the search, including Search and Rescue, the El Paso County Department of Transportation, the Colorado Springs, Ellicott, Peyton and Cimarron Hills Fire Departments, Ellicott School District 22 and the Fountain Police Department.

When they established a command post at Ellicott High School, the area experienced blizzard-like conditions, making it more difficult for officials to search. Crews were called to clear the roads so emergency services could search the area.

Deputies said the effort included an extensive ground search by CSFD and Fountain Police drones.

After seven hours, officers said the girl was found alive in a nearby property.

“I am grateful to my deputies, the El Paso County Search and Rescue Team and our partner agencies for their tremendous efforts to locate the lost child during some of the most severe weather conditions we have ever seen,” Sheriff Joe Roybal said in a news release. “This is a perfect example of how quickly and efficiently law enforcement and first responders in the Pikes Peak region (together) ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. Thank you to everyone who braved the circumstances and ensured this little girl was safely returned to her family.”

After being exposed to the storm during that period, she was taken to hospital to recover from injuries caused by the cold, but she is expected to be fine.