Two 13-year-old students from The Colorado Springs School, Eva and Neilliy, disappeared from an away basketball game at Elbert School on Dec. 15 and were reported missing that evening. A search using drones, canines, ATVs and ground teams covered about a five-mile radius before being paused overnight. The next morning the girls turned up at a stranger’s home seven to eight miles from where they vanished; the homeowner fed and warmed them and then called police. Authorities said the teens were cold but safe, were medically evaluated, and would be reunited with their families.
Two 13-Year-Old Girls Missing From School Game Found Safe At Stranger’s Home Next Morning
Elbert County SheriffThe two missing girls, identified as Eva and Neilliy, were found safe on Dec. 16, 2025
Two 13-year-old students from The Colorado Springs School who vanished during an away middle-school basketball game in Elbert County, Colorado, were found safe the next morning after showing up at a stranger's residence, authorities said.
What Happened
The girls, identified as Eva and Neilliy, were last seen at Elbert School on Monday, Dec. 15, at about 5 p.m. while attending a basketball game. School and law enforcement officials said the students left the Elbert campus before the game began. At the time they were reported missing, both were wearing basketball clothing and carrying backpacks and did not have their cell phones with them.
Search Efforts
Local authorities launched an extensive search that night covering roughly a five-mile radius. The effort included drones, search dogs, ATVs and teams on foot before being suspended for the night, according to the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and local reports.
Safe Recovery
At a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Elbert County Undersheriff Dave Fisher confirmed the teens were located at a private home seven to eight miles from where they were last seen. The homeowner provided food and warmth and then contacted police.
"They are safe, they’re cold, and they are eating breakfast," Fisher said, adding both girls were medically evaluated and would be reunited with their families.
Fisher noted both students are cross-country runners. Officials have not publicly explained why the girls left the campus or how they traveled to the residence.
Community Response
Because of the search, the Elbert School District closed school early that morning. After the teens were located, the district thanked the community for its support and assistance. Local law enforcement and school officials confirmed the basic facts to the media; PEOPLE, which originally reported the story, said it reached out to the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and The Colorado Springs School for comment.
Authorities emphasized the girls are safe and receiving care, and an investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.
