An 8-year-old girl who disappeared on tribal lands in northern Arizona has been tragically found deceased, authorities reported on Friday.
Maleeka Boone, as identified by Navajo Nation officials, was last sighted on Thursday evening in the Coalmine Canyon region, located 240 miles north of Phoenix in the United States.
The FBI, in conjunction with tribal police, is leading the inquiry into her demise; however, specific details regarding her death have not been disclosed.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed deep sorrow over Maleeka’s passing in a social media video, stating that the tragedy has left a heavy impact on his heart.
Following her disappearance, a Turquoise Alert was issued, a notification system designed for missing Native Americans.
In Arizona, the alert system is known as “Emily’s Law” in memory of Emily Pike, whose remains were discovered over 100 miles away from the group home she departed in Mesa, Arizona, on February 14.
Pike’s death sparked a renewed push for awareness around the high number of disappearances and violent deaths affecting Native American communities for years, leading lawmakers to amend the legislation in her honor.