Search Continues for Missing Tennessee Girl Summer Wells as She Turns 8

It’s been nearly three years since 5-year-old Summer Wells vanished from her rural East Tennessee home, sparking an intense search that officials say is not over.

Sunday was the girl’s 8th birthday, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which posted on social media to mark the day.

“Although we still don’t have the answers we’ve been seeking, agents continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” the agency said. “Call 1-800-TBI-FIND w/ credible information.”

Wells’s parents, Don Wells and Candus Bly called 911 around 6:30 p.m. on June 15, 2021, when they couldn’t find the girl near her Hawkins County home, as CrimeOnline reported. Don Wells has maintained from the start that Summer was abducted, although officials say they have no evidence to support that conclusion.

An Amber Alert was issued nevertheless, and it remains in place.

Community members held a prayer event earlier this week at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Kingsport not only for Summer, but for other missing women and children in the area, WJHL reported.

Another prayer vigil for Summer is scheduled for February 15 at Warriors Path State Park Riding Stables in Kingsport, the Kingsport Times-News said.

TBI asked anyone with information to contact 1-800-TBI-FIND.

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[Featured image: Summer Wells, age progressed (left) and at 5 years old/Tennessee Bureau of Investigation]