UPDATE: Two girls who went missing during a basketball game in Elbert were found. A massive search effort was launched Tuesday morning for the pair. This article may or may not be updated depending on what additional information authorities are able to share.
A family member of one of the girls tells News5 the girls were cold and hungry and traveled a far distance from the school.
The Elbert County Undersheriff explained the girls were found about seven to eight miles away from the school. Both girls are reportedly cross-country runners.
The Undersheriff believes they went to a residence along County Road 5 at about 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, where they were fed breakfast.
The Elbert County Undersheriff provided updates about the case Tuesday. You can watch the press conference in its entirety below:
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Classes at Elbert School were canceled on Tuesday as a search effort for two missing girls was underway.
The school district posted the following to social media:
"Elbert families-
Search and rescue is still looking for the two middle school girls from CSS. If you live in the Academy East area, it could be helpful to do a quick search of your property. It is not recommended that you go beyond that or drive around looking as this could impede the search efforts. If you find anything, please contact 911."
CSS is the Colorado Springs School.
Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, the school district announced classes would be canceled on Tuesday as the school would be used for a command post.
"We will continue to support our law enforcement partners and thank the community for their outpouring of support to the search and rescue operations. We will do our best to keep the community up to date on information," the school wrote on social media.
At about 7:40 a.m., the Colorado Springs School issued a news release with photos of the missing girls and additional information.
"The students, Eva (Grade 7) and Neilliy (Grade 8), were last seen at the basketball game around 5 p.m.," a news release from CSS reads. "Once school officials realized the girls were missing, they immediately notified local authorities and the students’ families."
CSS asks the public to call 911 if they see either girl.
"Our entire school community is focused on supporting the safe return of these students," said Dr. Ryan Kelly, Head of School. "We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and providing all requested information to assist in search efforts. Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time."
CSS has activated its response team, and counselors are available to provide support to students and staff.
News5 has been in contact with family members of Neilliy and we hope to provide updates as we receive them.
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