Alabama authorities are working to locate an Auburn-area college student who disappeared late last week.
Aniah Haley Blanchard, 19, was reported missing last Thursday, AL.com reported. A friend said she last communicated with Blanchard just before midnight.
Her vehicle, a black 2017 Honda CR-V with an Alabama tag was recovered at an apartment complex in Montgomery — some 50 miles from Auburn — on Friday but with no sign of the missing teen, according to WRBL. Police said there was visible damage to car’s front left tire, which are believed to have happened between the time she was reported missing and when the SUV was found.
So far, police say there’s no evidence of foul play. However, they said they’ll continue their investigation until they find Blanchard and know that she’s OK.
The young woman is described as a light-complexioned African-American female, standing 5 feet 6 and about weighing 125 pounds. She has black eyes and black hair, and was last seen wearing a Black dress with tan duck boots and black stockings.
Blanchard is the stepdaughter of UFC heavyweight Walt Harris, according to TMZ. The mixed martial arts fighter took to social media and begged for the public’s help in bringing his daughter back home safe.
Blanchard’s father, Elijah Blanchard, said Aniah’s disappearance is totally out of character and that she wouldn’t just leave without telling anyone.
“She always calls me at the end of the day to see how my day was,” he told ABC News, describing his daughter as “ambitious” and “fun to be around.” “She would never not contact somebody and let them know what she’s doing.”
The Montgomery Police Department, which is assisting with the search, released surveillance footage (seen above) of Blanchard making a purchase at a local convenience store shortly before she vanished. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Blanchard is a student at Southern Union Community College in Auburn.
The investigation into Blanchard’s disappearance is ongoing.
Anyone with information on her disappearance or whereabouts is asked to contact the Auburn Police Division at 334-501-3140, or 334-246-1391 to leave an anonymous tip.
