The town of Corbin, Kentucky, is gripped by anxiety as a desperate search continues for two missing 13-year-olds, Hydi McQuillan and Riley Ferguson, who disappeared earlier today. The pair was last seen on foot around 3 p.m. near Corbin Middle School on Master Street, sparking a wave of concern throughout the community. Law enforcement and local residents are actively working together to locate the missing teens as time becomes increasingly critical.
Timeline of Events
According to initial reports, Hydi McQuillan and Riley Ferguson were seen near Corbin Middle School shortly before they went missing. Later sightings placed the two near the Little Caesars and Carter Street areas in Corbin. Their sudden disappearance has left family members, friends, and the broader community in shock, mobilizing efforts to locate the teenagers swiftly.
Physical Descriptions
Authorities have released detailed descriptions of both teens to aid in the search efforts:
Hydi McQuillan:
- Height: 5 feet
- Weight: Approximately 100 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eye Color: Blue in one eye, hazel in the other
- Age: 13
Riley Ferguson:
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Hair: Dark brown
- Glasses: Black-framed
- Eye Color: Blue/gray
- Age: 13
Families Plead for Help
The families of Hydi and Riley are making heartfelt appeals to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. Hydi’s family can be reached at 606-515-3209, and Riley’s family is available at 606-404-0255 for tips or updates.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said a close relative of Hydi McQuillan. “Hydi is kind, bubbly, and full of life. We’re praying she’s found safe and sound.” Similarly, Riley’s family expressed their distress, describing him as a bright and friendly young boy with a close circle of friends.
Local Authorities and Community Response
The Corbin Police Department is leading the investigation, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activity. The department has provided a dedicated contact number, 606-528-1122, for tips and updates related to the case.
“We are working around the clock to locate Hydi and Riley. Their safety is our top priority, and we encourage everyone in the area to check their properties, review surveillance footage, and stay alert,” stated a Corbin Police Department spokesperson.
Community Mobilization
Local residents have rallied together, organizing search parties to comb through nearby areas. Volunteers have been scouring neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, while businesses have joined efforts by distributing flyers with photos and descriptions of the missing children.
Social media platforms are also playing a pivotal role, with posts about the missing teens being widely shared across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The hashtags #FindHydiAndRiley and #CorbinKYMissingTeens have gained traction, amplifying the search efforts beyond the immediate community.
Concerns Grow as Time Passes
As the hours stretch into the evening, concerns for Hydi and Riley’s safety intensify. Temperatures are expected to drop overnight, adding urgency to the search. Authorities are particularly focused on areas near Corbin Middle School and locations where the teens were reportedly last seen, such as Little Caesars and Carter Street.
Family members and law enforcement officials are hopeful but acknowledge the critical nature of the situation. The possibility of the teens becoming disoriented, encountering unforeseen dangers, or being in the company of unknown individuals remains a pressing concern.
Support and Resources
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has been notified and is offering support to local law enforcement. Additionally, community organizations, churches, and schools have offered their resources to aid in the search.
Counselors and mental health professionals have been made available to students and families impacted by the situation. Corbin Middle School, where both Hydi and Riley were students, has issued a statement of support, urging students and parents to remain hopeful and assist in any way possible.
What You Can Do to Help
Authorities and families are urging the public to stay alert and proactive. Here’s how you can assist in the search for Hydi and Riley:
- Check your property: Look around garages, sheds, and backyards for any signs of the missing teens.
- Review surveillance footage: Home security cameras and dashcams could provide crucial leads.
- Share information: Distribute flyers and share social media posts about the missing children.
- Report sightings immediately: Call the Corbin Police Department at 606-528-1122 with any tips or information.
Hope for a Safe Return
As night falls in Corbin, KY, the community remains united in its hope for Hydi McQuillan and Riley Ferguson’s safe return. Candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings are being organized by local churches, reflecting the outpouring of love and support for the families.
“This community has always come together in times of crisis,” said a local pastor. “We’re keeping faith and doing everything we can to bring these children home.”
The search for Hydi and Riley continues, with updates expected as more information becomes available. For now, the entire Corbin community, along with law enforcement, remains focused on one goal: finding these two young lives and reuniting them with their families.
