HIGBEE — The search continued Monday at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area for 16-year-old Kayla Huff, who went missing Wednesday.
Hundreds of people have been searching for Huff since her disappearance. Her family told KOMU 8 News that she was last seen around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday in the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area. The area covers about 5.5 square miles near the junction of Boone, Howard and Randolph counties.
Renee Huff, Kayla's mother, described Kayla as an outgoing young girl who serves as an inspiration to her peers.
The family said they wanted the community to know that the search continues at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area and that the family is thankful for the support and donations they've received.
Kayla Huff, a 16-year-old from Moberly, has been missing since the morning of May 6.
They also asked people to listen to official sources for information about the search.
"If people are posting anything on social media, and if you're looking at that and seeing anything that's from anyone other than family or law enforcement, consider it unreliable," said Mike Huff, Kayla's father.
Authorities have arrested a 17-year-old from Columbia in connection with Huff's disappearance, according to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. The suspected role the 17-year-old played in her disappearance is unknown.
Sheriff Andy Boggs said Saturday that no further information would be released at the time to maintain the integrity of the investigation and provide respect and privacy to Kayla’s loved ones.
Map of the search area, which is between Higbee, Sturgeon and Clark to the west of U.S. 63.
KOMU 8 News reached out to Boggs on Monday for an update and has not received a response.
Boggs has said any information on Kayla’s whereabouts or details surrounding her disappearance should be directed to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 844-277-6555.