NEED TO KNOW
- McKenna Wendel, 14, was last seen on March 13, the Sioux Falls Police Department said
- She was last known to be in the area with a relative
- On Thursday, authorities confirmed that she had been found dead
A 14-year-old girl who was last seen a week ago has now been found dead, authorities in South Dakota said.
On Monday, March 16, the Sioux Falls Police Department asked on social media for the public’s help in finding teenager McKenna Wendel, who went missing three days earlier.
She was described as Native American, 5-foot-2 and weighing 98 lbs., with dark brown hair containing a teal streak on one side and brown eyes.
Then, on Thursday, March 19, the department shared a tragic update.
“It’s with great sadness that we report McKenna has been found, deceased,” a news release stated. “The Sioux Falls Police Department, along with many other resources from the region, will continue to piece together what happened to McKenna.”
Authorities added that they don’t believe the public is in any danger.
They also said they are not seeking assistance in locating anyone related to the case and thanked the public for their help in the search.
No further details are set to be released at this time, the department said.
Police Lt. Aaron Nyberg told the Argus Leader on Wednesday, March 18, that McKenna was last known to be in Sioux Falls with a relative.
Nyberg said that it is usual department protocol to release limited information for these types of cases to prevent hampering the investigation.
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“I will say that we are exploring all possibilities and refusing to rule anything out at this point,” he said then.
Police said an update is expected during their regular media briefing on Monday, March 23.