Northfield police asking for help finding missing 6-year-old

The Northfield Police Department is asking the public for help in locating 6-year-old Elle Ragin.

Ragin stands at 3-feet-6-inches, weighs about 45 pounds and has brown eyes and curly brown hair, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says.

Ragin is missing after the apparent suicide of her mother, Lisa Wade of Northfield.

Northfield police say they found the body of Wade, 39, when they were called to her residence on the 600 Block of Maple Brook Court on Saturday.

Authorities say they have reason to believe Wade was involved in her daughter’s disappearance but could not elaborate on why at this time.

“For a kid to be missing right here and all the other unfortunate circumstances to be going on is very, it’s it’s a little unnerving” added neighbor Jessica Smith.

Northfield Police Chief Mark Elliot says “we know that’s difficult for families to deal with, we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

Northfield police ask anyone who has seen Ragin or Wade in the last two weeks to call the department at 507-645-4477.

The BCA is assisting with the investigation.

If you believe someone is at risk of suicide, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests you:

• Ask questions about whether the individual is having suicidal thoughts.
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• Seek help from a medical or mental health professional. If it is an emergency situation, take the person to a hospital.
• Remove any objects from a person’s home that could be potentially used in a suicide.
• Do not leave the person alone, if possible, until help is available.

The U.S. National Suicide Prevention organization has also compiled a list of resources to help with coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.