HIGBEE — Search crews continued looking Monday for 16-year-old Kayla Huff at the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area after she disappeared Wednesday.
Hundreds of volunteers have joined the effort to find Huff since she went missing. Her family told KOMU 8 News she was last seen around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday at the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, which spans about 5.5 square miles near the meeting point of Boone, Howard and Randolph counties.
Kayla’s mother, Renee Huff, described her daughter as an outgoing teenager who inspires those around her.
The family said they want the community to know the search remains active at the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, and they are grateful for the support and donations they have received.
They also asked people to listen to official sources for information about the search.
“If people are posting anything on social media, and if you’re looking at that and seeing anything that’s from anyone other than family or law enforcement, consider it unreliable,” said Mike Huff, Kayla’s father.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, authorities arrested a 17-year-old from Columbia in connection with Huff’s disappearance. Investigators have not revealed what role the teen may have played in the case.
Sheriff Andy Boggs said Saturday that officials would not release any additional information at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and respect Kayla’s loved ones and their privacy.
we contacted Boggs on Monday for an update but had not received a response.
Boggs previously said anyone with information about Kayla’s whereabouts or details connected to her disappearance should contact the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office at 844-277-6555.