Endangered Missing Person Advisory: 13-Year-Old Girl Missing in Salem, Illinois
- A 13-year-old girl from rural Salem, Illinois, who was the subject of an Endangered Missing Person Advisory, has been located safe and unharmed in Missouri.
- Ballard was found in Branson, Missouri, following a search that began after she disappeared in the early morning hours of April 30, 2026.
- The Illinois State Police activated the advisory at the request of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
A 13-year-old girl from rural Salem, Illinois, who was the subject of an Endangered Missing Person Advisory, has been located safe and unharmed in Missouri.
Hope L. Ballard was found in Branson, Missouri, following a search that began after she disappeared in the early morning hours of April 30, 2026. Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps confirmed her recovery, stating that the girl is safe.
Search and Recovery
The Illinois State Police activated the advisory at the request of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. According to officials, Ballard was last seen at 1:30 a.m. On April 30 at the intersection of Church Road and Apple Ridge in Salem. At the time of her disappearance, she was reported to be wearing a white shirt and pajama pants.
Sheriff Cripps noted that law enforcement used technology and assistance from other police agencies to determine Ballard’s location in Missouri.
Ongoing Investigation
While the 13-year-old has been recovered, the investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance remains active. Sheriff Cripps stated that detectives from the sheriff’s department will question a person of interest to gather more information about the events that led to her being missing.