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

Collin Kirk Missing: The search for 16-year-old Collin Kirk, a Florida teen who went missing under mysterious circumstances earlier this month, has become increasingly urgent. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is calling for help in locating Collin, who was last seen in Hastings, Florida on January 3, 2025, and is believed to have traveled over 600 miles to the Wallins Creek area of Kentucky.

The Night Collin Disappeared

Collin Kirk was last seen at his family’s home on the evening of January 3. According to his stepmother, Jessica Kirk, Collin had been watching a movie with his siblings before stepping outside at approximately 6:30 p.m. to turn on the heat lamp for the family’s dogs. That was the last time anyone saw him. Although home security footage confirmed that Collin attended to the dogs, his movements after that remain unclear.

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Collin’s sudden disappearance is out of character, as he has never gone missing before, and there has been no communication from him since that evening. The lack of contact has raised concerns for his safety and well-being.

Why Kentucky?

Investigators suspect that Collin may be in the Wallins Creek area of Kentucky, but they have not revealed the specific reasons for this belief. The 600-mile distance between his home in Hastings, Florida, and Kentucky makes this disappearance even more puzzling. Authorities are actively working to gather more information about how Collin may have made the journey and whether he was aided by someone in the process.

The NCMEC is asking residents in Wallins Creek and surrounding areas to be vigilant and report any potential sightings or information that could help in locating Collin.

A Family’s Plea

Collin’s family is desperate for answers and is pleading for his safe return. Jessica Kirk issued an emotional statement, saying, “Collin, if you’re out there, we just want you to know that we love you and want you to be safe. 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 has emphasized that he has no history of running away, which has made his disappearance even more alarming.

Ongoing Investigation

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, working closely with the NCMEC to track any leads. So far, there has been little information regarding Collin’s whereabouts or the reasons for his departure. Authorities are considering the possibility that Collin may have been in contact with someone who may have influenced his decision to leave.

Investigators are also reviewing Collin’s online activity and communications to search for any clues that could help with the investigation.

How You Can Help

The NCMEC, along with Collin’s family, is asking the public—particularly those in Kentucky—to stay vigilant and report any information that may assist in locating Collin. If you have any details about his disappearance or possible whereabouts, please contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. Tips can also be provided anonymously through the NCMEC’s hotline or website.

The Role of the Community

The search for Collin underscores the importance of community involvement in the search for missing persons. Public awareness, vigilance, and sharing information can play a critical role in bringing missing individuals home.

For the Kirk family, the 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 how the support and awareness of a community can make a difference in times of crisis. Every sighting, tip, and piece of information could be the key to reuniting Collin with his family.

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