Sophia Cover, a 16-year-old who vanished from her Florida home in early August, has been found safe in New Jersey, according to her father, Rick Cover. The FBI located the teen, who had been missing for 11 days.
Rick Cover announced his daughter's safe return on Facebook, expressing immense relief. "Sophia was found safe in New Jersey by the FBI, and tonight our family finally gets to say the words we have been praying for: Our girl is safe," he wrote. He also extended his gratitude to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Detective Marisol Rodriguez, and the broader community for their support.
Sophia was last seen leaving her home in Golden Gate Estates, Florida, on the morning of Friday, July 31. Surveillance footage from the family residence showed the 16-year-old departing on foot at approximately 12:45 AM. Her father stated that she was found staying with friends in New Jersey.
Rick Cover indicated he plans to travel to New Jersey to reunite with his daughter and is awaiting further information from the Department of Children and Families regarding the circumstances of her disappearance and his ability to pick her up. "We’re going to take it a day at a time. I’m going to go up and get her. We’re going to find out exactly what happened," Cover told Gulf Coast News. He had previously expressed doubt that his daughter had run away, suggesting she may have been coerced to leave.