A Florida mother of five who vanished earlier this week was found alive on Wednesday in a wooded area less than a mile from her home, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said 34-year-old Kayla Bailey survived for several days without food or water before being located by search teams. She was last seen at her home on Sunday evening and was reported missing the following day.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had previously asked for the public’s help, noting that Bailey “may be in danger.” Working alongside the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), officers carried out an extensive search.
“Together, the two agencies were able to bring this to a successful conclusion,” JFRD Chief Gary Kuehner said.
Sergeant Michael Monts said Bailey was discovered lying in a wooded area just off a trail. “One of our search teams of police and fire called in on the radio and announced that our victim was recovered alive and well, which is great news to us,” Monts said during a press conference.
Monts also confirmed that the recent arrest of Bailey’s husband, Joshua Bailey, is not connected to her disappearance. He faces charges for violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence and for violating probation/community control, ActionNewsJax.com reported.
Bailey was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is in stable condition. “We’re relieved this case had a positive outcome. We look forward to working with JFRD every day to keep Jacksonville safe,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
The search for Bailey involved dozens of officers using both advanced technology and traditional methods. “In every single case, we use every resource available to us to find a missing person and bring them home safely,” the sheriff’s office said.
Monts added that investigators will continue speaking with Bailey and checking on the welfare of everyone involved, including her children and husband.
Kuehner praised the partnership between agencies, saying, “We’re just proud that the partnership between JSO and JFRD just continues to work.”
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Bailey’s disappearance.
