2-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Massive Overnight Search in Virginia

A frightening night of uncertainty ended with a joyful reunion after a missing 2-year-old Virginia girl was found alive and in good health less than a quarter-mile from her home.

Bridget Maeve Zeigler, 2, was reported missing around 6 p.m. on September 24 after she was last seen at her family’s home on Hidden Valley Road. According to reports, Bridget had been inside the house earlier and was playing hide-and-seek with her siblings before she disappeared.

Her family quickly contacted authorities, prompting an extensive search operation that continued throughout the night and into the following day. Multiple agencies joined the effort, including the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, FBI, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and local rescue organizations.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Virginia State Police issued a CODI Alert for Bridget. Residents were urged to check surveillance footage from their homes and businesses, examine areas around their properties and review trail-camera recordings for any possible signs of the missing child.

Search teams worked through the darkness using K-9 units, helicopters and other specialized resources. Dozens of volunteers also joined law enforcement and emergency personnel as the search expanded through surrounding wooded areas.

The operation continued into September 25, with rescuers searching locations around the family’s home and nearby roads and wooded terrain. Every minute was critical as authorities worked to locate the young child.

Then, around 1:30 p.m. on September 25, search teams finally received the news everyone had been hoping for: Bridget had been found alive in a wooded area near Anderson Highway.

The location where she was discovered was less than 0.2 miles, or roughly 320 meters, from her home. Despite spending hours away from her family, the little girl was found in good condition.

Bridget was reunited with her parents after rescuers located her. Police said she underwent a medical evaluation and was determined to be in good health.

The successful search brought relief to Bridget’s family, volunteers and the many law-enforcement officers who had spent hours searching for her. What began as a terrifying disappearance ended with the little girl safely back in her parents’ arms.

Authorities credited the coordinated response involving local, state and federal agencies, along with the volunteers and community members who assisted with the search.

For Bridget’s family, the long night ended with the most important outcome possible: their little girl was home safe.

Source: NY Post