Missing Teen Found Safe in Providencia, Chile After Three-Day Search
A relief effort involving the community and authorities culminated in the safe return of Kytzia Zamora Gómez, a first-grade student at Carmela Carvajal High School in Providencia, Chile, after she went missing on Wednesday, November 19. The 1st grade E student is now back with her family and reported to be in good health.
Community Mobilizes After Wednesday Disappearance
The disappearance of the teenager, also known to her peers as Francis, prompted a widespread search effort beginning Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, Kytzia last communicated with her mother at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, sending a message stating, “I’m going home.” After that, all communication ceased. The family immediately reported the situation, and the Carmela Carvajal High School, in conjunction with the Municipality of Providencia, requested assistance from Carabineros, the Chilean national police force.
Extensive Search and Investigation
The Municipality of Providencia’s security team 1414 immediately began searching bridges and surrounding areas, utilizing social media to disseminate information about the missing student. Authorities also collaborated with Metro de Santiago to review security camera footage in an attempt to trace Kytzia’s route home. The school community actively participated, forming search teams and distributing flyers with contact information.
Initial investigations indicated Kytzia was last seen on Elena Blanco Street, approximately five blocks from her school, around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. She was wearing a navy blue institutional sweatshirt with light blue stripes, a wide green t-shirt, and carrying a backpack, a banana, and a bag containing items she sold to generate income.
Phone Recovery and Safe Return
A crucial development in the case came with the discovery of Kytzia’s phone in a trash can located at the intersection of Miguel Claro and Elena Blanco streets. The location was identified through a tracking application. Following this discovery, and a sustained search effort, Kytzia was found safe on Saturday.
“I want to thank the entire community of Providencia and particularly the community of Carmela Carvajal for all the help that it has meant during these last three days to be able to search for Kytzia Zamora, a student from our community who today has already been found,” stated the mayor of Providencia, Jaime Belloli, on social media.
Ongoing Investigation
While Kytzia has been safely returned to her family, the Metropolitan Person Location Brigade (Briup) of the Investigative Police (PDI) continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance to ensure a full understanding of the events that transpired.
