The cousin of missing teenager Madison “Maddie” Bell wants your help to bring her beloved cousin home.
Cassie Bolin, who lives in West Portsmouth, spoke to me on the phone from her job in Wheelersburg this afternoon. As you’d expect, she’s worried.
The Facts
- The 18-year-old left her Greenfield, Ohio home on Sunday for a tanning appointment. She never made it.
- Her car was found in a nearby church parking lot.
- The car was unlocked with keys in the ignition.
- The cell phone was found in the car.
- Madison is 5’7″, 125 lbs, brown hair, and brown eyes.
No one has seen or heard from Maddie since. Bolin said Maddie is the type of girl who’d call or text her mother is she was going to be even five minutes late. She’d never take off without contacting her parents.
Absolutely Adored
Cassie Bolin said that Maddie is a beloved only child who loves her parents in return. “She has everything. She wouldn’t just up and leave.”
The teenager is especially devoted to her dogs. Bolin said she refers to them as her brothers. Maddie, a former cheer captain, just graduated high school and had several celebrations to look forward to. She is headed to college in the fall.
Maddie’s parents are struggling with her disappearance. Cassie said Maddie’s Mom is afraid to go to sleep. “We can’t get her to sleep or eat. She’s afraid if she goes to sleep, somebody is going to find information or they’ll need her or Maddie will call.” Maddie’s father is equally upset but not saying as much because he’s the quiet type.
The Search
Bolin joined hundreds of others to search near the site of Maddie’s disappearance.
“They have a big place set up at a community center. There were 150 people or more. ATVs, horses, everyone was out searching. We searched for probably three house. We didn’t find anything.”
The White Car
The only clue in Madison’s disappearance is a video of a white car pulling out of the church parking lot soon after Madison pulled in. The license plate isn’t visible on the video. Several witnesses said the car had California plates.
- Many people found that strange in light of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Police have an alternate explanation. They said many rental cars have out-of-state license plates.
- The car was described by some witnesses as a Nissan and others as a Chevy. There was even a sighting of a white car with California plates in Portsmouth. However, when police checked it out, it turned out to be unfounded.
- Witnesses said they saw a man hanging around the church that morning. Others say they saw a woman with him.
- Madison’s mother does not believe she would have gotten out of her car is there was a strange man in the parking lot. Though she thinks it’s possible she might come to the aid of a woman in distress.
Keep Sharing
Cassie Bolin had one request: keep sharing Maddie’s picture. “As many people as possible, please share her story. Every time I get something else from the family member, the more I share it.”
She’s hopeful that those who travel, like truck drivers, will also keep an eye out. She could be anywhere. She could be in Florida or California.
If you have any information about Maddie’s disappearance, call the Highland County Sheriff’s Office at 937-393-1421. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1.