Sophia Veronica Cover, 16, was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her Golden Gate Estates home on foot at about 12:45 a.m. on July 31. Her father says he has devoted himself to finding her and the family does not believe she ran away. Authorities describe Sophia as 5'7" and 115 lbs with long brown hair; the search is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300.
16-Year-Old Sophia Cover Missing After Leaving Home at Night; Father Issues Emotional Plea
Sophia Veronica Cover was last seen on July 31.Credit: Collier County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
A 16-year-old girl, Sophia Veronica Cover, has been missing since she was captured on surveillance footage leaving her family home in Golden Gate Estates, Florida, in the early hours of July 31.
Her father, Richard Cover, told ABC affiliate WZVN that he has thrown himself into finding his daughter, combing through social media posts and canvassing the area for any sign of her. 'I have buried myself into finding her,' he said, adding that the family is reviewing friends' posts and other leads closely.
What Happened
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Sophia was seen on video departing her residence on 62nd Avenue Northeast on foot at about 12:45 a.m. on July 31. Deputies describe her as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and 115 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. In the footage reviewed by WZVN, she is wearing a dark hoodie and carrying a backpack.
Family Concerns and Ongoing Search
The family moved to the area roughly four months ago. Relatives say they do not believe Sophia ran away and have spent days searching online and in the neighborhood. 'The biggest thing, I think, is I'm focused on finding her more than anything else,' Richard said. He urged his daughter to come home, adding that it would be easy and safe for her to approach any police officer or a trusted adult.
Everybody is looking for you, Sophia's father told local media, pleading for her safe return.
A spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriff's Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Sophia has not been located and that there have been no confirmed new sightings. The search remains active.
How To Help
Anyone with information about Sophia Veronica Cover's whereabouts is asked to contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300. Local authorities encourage anyone who may have seen her or who has relevant social media information to come forward.
Reporting details are current as of the latest update. Authorities will release new information as it becomes available.
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