Madelyn Allen, the missing Snow College student, is found alive

EPHRAIM, Utah — After being missing for nearly a week, Madelyn Allen has been found alive. 

Madelyn found alive

Snow College announced on social media Saturday night that missing student Madelyn Allen, “Maddie,” has been found alive.

Madelyn Allen has been found alive! Additional information will be released as it becomes available.#helpusfindmaddie #yes pic.twitter.com/UHBl39LUFk

— Snow College (@SnowCollege) December 19, 2021

 

Allen had been missing since Dec. 13. 

Investigation still undergoing 

Police found Madelyn in a Wayne County home, said Snow College Police Chief Derek Walk. Chief Walk explained this was 90 miles south of where she was first missing. The home was occupied by Brent Brown, who has now been booked into jail and charged with obstruction of justice with other charges pending, police say. 

Piecing together what we know

Maddie left her apartment at 9:22 p.m. on December 13th, according to police documents. 

After following a series of clues found from cell phone pings and other sources, police attempted to search a home in Wayne County, according to police.

A man answered the door and would not allow a search of his home, police say. Authorities identified the man as Brent Brown from his driver’s license. 

Officers found Maddie in the basement of this home. They reported finding her covered in coal dust in a coal den. Police discovered through interviews with Maddie that she had been reportedly held against her will and assaulted multiple times by Brent Brown. 

Family speaks publicly

On Sunday, Snow College Police Chief Derek Walk gave a press conference with Madelyn’s family. 

You can watch the full press conference below.

 The family also expressed their gratitude to the community.

“We hope that this is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the unity that can come when we pull together and focus on a singular objective,” said Madelyn’s father, Jonathan Allen.

Vigil turned celebration of Madelyn’s return

Maddie’s family had planned a candlelight vigil for Sunday, December 16th at 6 p.m.

After Maddie’s return the day before, the vigil shifted in focus from a somber gathering to a celebration of Maddie’s return. 

The community used the gathering to share their joy and love for the Allen family, while celebrating Maddie. 

This is a developing story. Details to come. 

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Related: 

• Candlelight vigils to be held Sunday for Madelyn Allen
• Family of missing Snow College student ask the public for help finding her