Florida Teen Collin Kirk Missing, Possibly in Kentucky: Family and Authorities Seek Public’s Help

Florida Teen Collin Kirk Missing, Possibly in Kentucky: The search for 16-year-old Collin Kirk, a Florida teenager who went missing earlier this month, has intensified as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) urges the public to help locate him. Collin, a resident of Hastings, Florida, was last seen on January 3, 2025, and is believed to have traveled more than 600 miles to the Wallins Creek area of Kentucky. His disappearance has left his family in a state of uncertainty and distress, with growing concerns for his safety.

The Night Collin Disappeared

Collin Kirk was at home with his family on the evening of January 3, spending time with his siblings while watching a movie. Around 6:30 p.m., he stepped outside to turn on the heat lamp for the family’s dogs, and that was the last time anyone saw him. According to his stepmother, Jessica Kirk, Collin did not return to the house, prompting immediate concern.

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Home security footage confirmed that Collin had attended to the dogs, but his actions after that remain unclear. Authorities believe that Collin left the home willingly, but there are many questions surrounding his departure and his possible journey to Kentucky.

“This is the first time he’s ever gone missing,” Jessica Kirk said. “He hasn’t tried to contact us since he disappeared.” The lack of communication has only heightened the family’s concerns, as Collin’s sudden disappearance is completely out of character.

Why Kentucky?

Investigators suspect that Collin may be in the Wallins Creek area of Kentucky, though the specific reasons for this belief remain undisclosed. The distance—over 600 miles from Hastings—has made his disappearance even more perplexing. Authorities are working to gather information on how Collin may have traveled and whether he had help during his journey.

The NCMEC has urged residents of Wallins Creek and surrounding areas to be on the lookout and report any sightings or information that could aid in locating Collin.

A Plea from the Family

Collin’s family is struggling to understand why he left and where he might be now. In a heartfelt message released by the NCMEC, they begged Collin to return home and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Collin, if you’re out there, we just want you to know that we love you and want you to be safe,” Jessica Kirk said. “Please come home, or let us know you’re okay.”

Collin is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. His family is concerned because he has no history of running away, and his sudden disappearance has left a deep void in the Kirk household.

Ongoing Investigation

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation in partnership with the NCMEC. However, there has been little information gathered so far about Collin’s whereabouts or the reasons behind his departure. Investigators are examining Collin’s online activity and communications, looking for potential clues about who or what might have influenced his decision.

“This is a deeply concerning case,” said a representative from the NCMEC. “We’re doing everything we can to locate Collin and ensure his safety. We urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.”

How to Help

The NCMEC and Collin’s family are asking the public, especially those in Kentucky, to stay alert and report any potential sightings or information. If you have any information about Collin’s whereabouts or his disappearance, please contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. You can also provide tips anonymously through the NCMEC’s hotline or website.

A Community’s Role in Bringing Collin Home

The search for Collin underscores the critical role communities play in assisting law enforcement in locating missing individuals. By remaining vigilant and sharing information, the public can make a significant difference in reuniting families with their loved ones.

For the Kirk family, hope remains that Collin will be found safe. “We’re holding on to hope,” Jessica Kirk said. “We just want him back with us where he belongs.”

As the search continues, Collin’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and awareness during times of crisis. Every sighting, tip, and piece of information could bring Collin home.

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