Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Melonie Ballenger is found safe in Texas after going missing for days

Police faced a race against time to find the Wylie mom-of-two who left behind her ‘critical’ blood pressure medication

James Liddell
Saturday 09 November 2024 04:23 GMT
Comments
Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said
Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said (Wylie Police Department)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Texas woman who vanished without vital medication on Monday morning has been found safe, police confirmed.

Melonie Ballenger, 46, went to bed with her husband, Daniel, at their home in Wylie, Texas on Sunday evening. However, in the early hours on Monday morning, the family woke to find she had finished without her “cash, credit card, wallet, ID,” her husband of 22-years explained.

Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said
Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said (Wylie Police Department)

An extensive search was launched including K9 units, a helicopter and flyering, yielding no results.

Local residents were even asked to review outdoor camera footage between 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Monday to help cops search for clues, while on Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue Alert, which helps authorities find missing, kidnapped, or abducted adults aged 18 to 64, who “are in immediate danger of injury or death.”

However, good news finally arrived on Friday afternoon when Wylie Police Department confirmed that she had been found just over a mile from her home.

“At approximately 5:15 pm, Melonie was located near Abby Ln and Tyler Trail by a resident. She was found to be severely dehydrated but otherwise in good health, “ a statement from the force read.

“Melonie is currently being reunited with her family and taken to a hospital for treatment. We want to thank everyone who worked day and night trying to find her. Please respect the privacy of the family as they reunite with their loved one. Again, Melonie has been located and is safe.”

The fears over Melonie’s whereabouts grew as the mom-of-two is due to undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks and also left medication “critical” to her health at her home.

The fears were felt across the community, with neighbors packing the Gateway Community Church offering prayers for Ballenger’s safe return at a vigil on Tuesday night after the country cast its ballots in the presidential election.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in