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The flyers went up fast, but it was the mother’s words—“Please don’t forget my daughter’s face”—that moved Otter Lake into action.Sasha Newell, 19, vanished on August 30 after being seen at Dollar General, wearing a blue shirt and a Woody backpack.

Though legally an adult, Sasha’s cognitive disabilities make her think and act more like a younger teen, a fact that heightened the concern when she was reported missing. Loved ones feared that her trusting and vulnerable nature could put her at risk if she encountered someone with ill intentions. As hours stretched into days, the community rallied in an extraordinary display of support.

Volunteers organized search efforts, walking through neighborhoods, combing nearby parks, and checking local businesses in hopes of spotting her. Police worked alongside them, distributing flyers and coordinating tips, while neighbors amplified the call for help through social media. Posts about Sasha spread quickly, reaching beyond the immediate community 

and drawing in people who had never met her but were moved by the urgency of the situation.On September 1, after several anxious days, authorities confirmed that Sasha had been located safe. While officials did not disclose the exact circumstances of her discovery or the location where she was found, they emphasized that she was unharmed. The news brought a wave of relief to those who had feared the worst.

Her family released a statement expressing their gratitude to everyone who played a role in bringing Sasha home. They thanked police officers, volunteers, neighbors, and strangers alike for their tireless dedication and compassion. “We could not have gotten through this without the love and support of our community,” one family member shared.

Now back home, Sasha is surrounded by the care and protection of her loved ones. While the ordeal was frightening, it also revealed the strength of a community that came together for one of its most vulnerable members. Her family hopes the experience will remind others of the importance of looking out for those who may need extra protection and compassion.