Update on 15-year-old girl who went missing in Columbus County, and how she survived

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY)–It is all quiet at the home of Belinda Edwards, on the block of 9000 Hallsboro South Road, a drastic contrast to Wednesday night. Her front yard covered by police, fire department trucks, and search parties coming out of the woods. All in frantic pursuit of her 15-year-old autistic granddaughter Jettie, who ran away from home on Tuesday night around 9 PM.

Then after almost 24 hours of uncertainty, Ed

wards was found nearby on her aunt’s farm. Sherrif Bill Rogers, who led the search, was relieved.

“When it’s a kid, everyone wants to help, so I appreciate everybody’s assistance and working together, it was a good scenario at the end. We found her safe and she is going to be home for Christmas and that is a blessing in itself,” said Rogers.

Edwards only had a pink sweatshirt when she disappeared. Temperatures dipped into the upper twenties and rogers reveals exactly how she survived.

“When we got there, she was sitting on the hay bale. She had told us that she got under the hay the first night to stay warm. There are two donkeys in the pastor, and she said those two donkeys laid by her side. You can see where the donkeys lay beside her. They stayed there all night,” said Rogers.

Todd Mullinex, with the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education, says even though she is autistic, Edwards displayed exceptional survival skills.

“When I refer to a reptilian, maybe another word for that is ancient. It is that really old survival instinct to go ahead and seek shelter, find a community, to try to defeat the hazards that this planet and this universe provide us with,” said Mullinex.

For the family, the Sherrif, and the searchers, finding Edwards safe and sound is as if Christmas came early.

“I think if a lesson could be taken from this story it is to never give up. Always seek out whatever opportunities you have to make life livable,” said Mullinex.

Edwards is now home safe without any major injuries, and ready to spend Christmas at home.

In a statement sent to WWAY, provided by the Edwards family, they express their gratitude.

“The family of Jettie Edwards would like to express a deep heart-felt gratitude to the many that participated in the successful search and recovery of Jettie. Beginning with our close-knit neighbors who immediately started searching and the 9-1-1 operator who recognized the urgency of the situation; Sheriff Rogers for his extremely prompt tactical planning and organization of the many resources for the search and rescue operation, along with the entire Columbus County Sherrif’s office; Brunswick County Sherriff’s office and Fire Department; North Whiteville Volunteer Department; North Whiteville Volunteer Fire Department; Old Dock Fire and Rescue; Pender County; Wake County, Whiteville Police Department, Tabor City QRV, and Nakina Rescue countless volunteers.

In addition, we are so thankful for the relentless prayers of local and statewide churches, our church family, friends, neighbors, and all that were involved. Many thanks to the News outlets that got the information and updates out there, and those that re-posted and shared on social media platforms. You all are our heroes! Your diligence, with little to no sleep, professionalism and integrity produced a successful outcome.

We know in our hearts that God shielded Jettie from harm and provided light in the darkness as he guided her through very thick woods to a familiar road and place. She took refuge within a large round bale of hay and was comforted by two miniature donkeys that watched over her. What a beautiful Christmas story! Thank you, Jesus, again, thank you to all! We love you and pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and may God bless each and everyone.”

Jettie is safe at home, in good spirits, and anxious for Christmas morning so she can open her presents. Thank you for respecting Jettie’s privacy.”