Utah Siblings Vanished on Thanksgiving Found in European Orphanage, as Police Arrest Mom Who Left Behind ‘To-Do List’

Four children from Utah who went missing after spending Thanksgiving with their mother have been located at a state-run orphanage in Croatia, and their mother has been arrested.

Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, was already facing charges in Utah after allegedly abducting her four children and leaving the U.S. on a one-way flight to Europe on Nov. 29, 2025.

The children were identified by Elleshia’s ex-husband, Kendall Seymour, in a GoFundMe as Landon Seymour, 11; Levi Parker Seymour, 8; Hazel Raye Seymour, 7; and Jacob Kurt Brady, 3. Kendall is the father of three of the four children.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, Kendall posted an update to the fundraiser saying the children are currently “trapped” at a state-run orphanage.

Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to DNEVNIK, a leading local news agency, that Elleshia was arrested in Dubrovnik—about 400 miles from the capital, Zagreb—on Monday, Jan. 26. Another outlet, 24 Sata, also reported the arrest, citing the same ministry statement, though the woman was not named.

According to those reports, Elleshia was arrested in connection with a criminal case involving the violation of a child’s rights. The ministry did not publicly identify the suspect in its statement.

The U.S. Department of State said it was aware of the reports but declined to comment further, citing privacy concerns.

Welfare Check Triggered Investigation

The children’s disappearance came to light following a welfare check on Dec. 2, when West Jordan Police Department officers arrived at Elleshia’s residence and found it unoccupied and unlocked, ABC4 Utah previously reported, citing court records.

Elleshia shares custody with the children’s fathers. A former boyfriend told KSL Utah that Elleshia feared it was the “end of times” and had concerns about “biblical events.” Kendall also told the outlet he had not been aware of those beliefs during their marriage or after their divorce.

In the GoFundMe, Kendall alleged that Elleshia “left behind a note dictating a delusional message from God promising her she would be in Italy by Christmas,” along with a list that included: “shred paperwork, destroy identifying photos, throw away phone, purchase pre-paid phone.”

Custody Review Underway in Croatia

It was not immediately clear whether the children have been removed from the orphanage. While Kendall has asked publicly for the children to be returned to the U.S., Croatia’s Institute for Social Work has called for a thorough review of the situation, according to reports from 24 Sata, DNEVNIK and Teleskop.

“Given the international element of the case, it is essential that the competent authorities of the United States of America conduct a review of all relevant facts and circumstances before making a decision to hand over the children to the father,” the institute said in a statement.

In Utah, Elleshia is facing four counts of custodial interference, local authorities said, per KSL and ABC4 Utah.

The case initially involved the West Jordan Police Department but was later transferred to the FBI. Both the FBI and West Jordan police declined to comment. Local officials told KSL the case is now being passed to Croatian police, and it was not immediately clear whether the FBI remains involved.

Kendall is continuing to seek donations through GoFundMe to cover travel costs as he remains in Croatia and works to secure the children’s release.