Imagine the relief when two 13-year-old girls, missing since Monday evening, were finally found safe and sound on Tuesday morning in Elbert County, Colorado. But here's where it gets controversial: were the girls truly prepared for the ordeal they faced? Let's dive into the details.
Updated on: December 16, 2025 / 11:13 AM MST / CBS Colorado
The girls, students at the Colorado Springs School, had been visiting Elbert School for a basketball game when they went missing. Their disappearance prompted Elbert School to cancel classes on Tuesday as authorities launched an extensive search. The Elbert County Sheriff's Office, along with Douglas County Search and Rescue and Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, mobilized drones, canines, ATVs, and search teams on foot within a five-mile radius of the school. The search was temporarily paused late Monday night but resumed with increased intensity the next morning.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the girls being cross-country runners—likely in good physical shape—they were ill-prepared for the cold weather and lacked cell phones, which could have expedited their rescue. They were found around 9 a.m. Tuesday at a rancher's home on Elbert County Road 5, several miles west of the school, where they were being fed after spending the night outdoors.
Elbert County Undersheriff Dave Fisher emphasized, 'The good news is they are safe,' but noted their lack of appropriate clothing for the conditions. Interestingly, the girls approached the rancher's home randomly, not knowing the residents. This raises questions about their decision-making during the ordeal.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Should schools or parents take more responsibility for ensuring students are equipped with basic safety tools, like cell phones, during off-campus activities? Or is it unreasonable to expect such preparedness from teenagers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. This incident sparks a broader conversation about youth safety and accountability—one that’s sure to divide opinions.
