A missing Rabun County teenager who was at the center of an intense nationwide search has been found. In a release on its Facebook page Friday, the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office announced Ashley Wayne “has been safely located.” She was found in the metro Atlanta area. No other details were released. A joint press conference is scheduled next week.
The sheriff’s office extends its thanks to all who were involved in her successful recovery:
“The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the FBI-Atlanta, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Cobb County Police Department, Kennesaw Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, College Park Police Department, National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, Locate the Missing, and any other State and Local agency that has diligently assisted in the safe return of Ashley.
We would also like to thank the public as well as local, regional, and national news media outlets who took time to share, comment, and pray throughout the investigation. Our Facebook page alone has had over one hundred and eight thousand views this week. This support was key to Ashley’s successful safe recovery.”
The 15-year disappeared from Rabun County High School on Monday. Authorities say she left the school in a car with a man they believed at the time she had met on the internet. One person of interest was ruled out in the case. No word on whether Wayne was with anyone when she was located.
A prayer vigil was held for Wayne in Rabun County on Wednesday.
