Search for missing 6-year-old continues in Northfield
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The search for a missing 6-year-old in Northfield continued Monday.
Northfield Police Chief Mark Elliott said he didn’t have any updates as of Monday morning regarding Elle Ragin.
Police said they found the body of Ragin’s mother, Lisa Wade, Saturday when they were called to her home.
RELATED: Northfield police asking for help finding missing 6-year-old
Northfield Public Schools wrote to district families on Sunday, noting the incident affects everyone differently.
Elle Ragin, 6. Credit: Northfield Police Department
“Situations like this one impact our entire community. I have been in contact with the Prairie Creek administration and will continue to offer our district’s support,” Superintendent Matt Hillmann said in the message. “Again, please contact NPD if you have any information about this situation.”
The district says Ragin is a first-grader at Prairie Creek Community School.
Authorities said they believe Wade was involved in her daughter’s disappearance but haven’t said why or released any other related information.
“She couldn’t have been a sweeter little girl, and always looked so darling,” Mary Wallaker, a next-door neighbor, said.
“It’s so shocking, I just keep hoping maybe … maybe the little girl went to be with somebody else, you know … maybe that was the plan … that’s what I’m hoping,” she added.
The family’s front door was covered with police tape Monday. There’s a dark residue on the door, which appears to be from crime scene technicians dusting for fingerprints.
“She’s a beautiful child, a beautiful, caring child who is much beloved in our community,” Simon Tyler, Prairie Creek’s director, said.
“Obviously, deeply concerned for Elle’s well-being, remaining hopeful for her safe return and truly appreciative of all the care and concern our community has around this situation,” he added.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is still helping with the investigation. Anyone with information that could aid in the search is asked to call Northfield police at 507-645-4477.
Here is a list of suicide prevention and mental health resources:
- U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Program
- Minnesota Department of Human Service’s adult mental health resources
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Minnesota
- Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
- Minnesota Farm and Rural Mental Health Helpline at 833-600-2670, ext. 1
- Crisis Phone Line – In the Twin Cities metro area, call **CRISIS (**274747) from a cellphone to talk to a team of professionals who can help.
- Crisis Text Line – Text MN to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
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.