COLUMBUS, Ohio (TLNA) — A 6-year-old girl with special needs, Airies Flanery, was located safe in Pike County after a frantic 12-hour search that gripped the community.
Reported Missing
Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans confirmed that Airies Flanery was reported missing by her family around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday. She was last seen at 2 a.m. in the 100 block of Hopper Road in Piketon village.
Emotional Appeal
Ryan Flanery, Airies’ father, expressed anguish over his daughter’s disappearance, stating, I need her home. That’s what I need. I can’t, I just can’t… He shared his fears, voicing concerns about her safety.
Safe Recovery
After a tense search, Flanery was found by search teams around 7:57 p.m. relatively close to her home. Sheriff Evans confirmed that she was found unharmed and was promptly taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Previous Incidents
Ryan Flanery revealed that this wasn’t the first time Airies had wandered off, citing a similar incident the previous year. Despite previous occurrences, the family remained deeply worried about her well-being.
Extensive Search Efforts
The search for Airies involved a multi-agency effort, with drones, K9 teams, and crews from West Virginia aiding in the search. Water rescue teams were also deployed due to the proximity of water bodies in the area.
Love for Nature
Describing Airies’ affinity for nature, her aunt, Brandy Flanery, explained, She loves walking in the woods… Any kind of water, she is not afraid. The family’s concern was amplified by recent heavy rains, which increased the risk around nearby creeks.
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