Missing 16yo Auckland teen with Down syndrome found safe and well

An Auckland teenager with Down syndrome who went missing yesterday afternoon has been found safe and well.

Sixteen-year-old Eden was last seen at her home in Sunnyhills in east Auckland about 4.30pm before she went missing.

“I’m happy to report she was found overnight, safe and well,” a police spokesperson said on Sunday morning.

Police sent “a huge thanks” to the members of the public who headed out to assist with the search last night.

Earlier, Eden’s distraught family took to social media last night for help.

“Our daughter, Eden is... still missing at 8.45pm and it’s getting cold and dark,” they said.

“We are distraught. I believe search and rescue are being called.”

Police asked for anyone who saw Eden to call 111, and said she was last seen wearing a black dress and a cream-coloured cardigan.

“Her family and police are wanting to locate her to confirm she is safe, as she does not typically walk on her own,” a police spokesman said.

Price said Eden was last seen walking along Park Ave, around Cascades Rd in Pakuranga Heights about 6pm.

“Police and about 20 whānau are looking,” she said.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.