Fayren Morris, the 16-year-old Florida teenager reported missing from New Smyrna Beach, was found safe on Thursday night, November 12, 2026. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department confirmed her recovery after authorities issued a statewide AMBER Alert over concerns for her safety. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement subsequently canceled the alert. Although the teenager was located unharmed, investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Is Fayren Morris Still Missing?
Fayren Morris is no longer missing. Police confirmed that the teenager was located safely on November 12, 2026.
Her disappearance had prompted an urgent search involving local law enforcement and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The case attracted statewide attention after authorities issued an AMBER Alert warning that she could be in danger.
Later that evening, police announced that Morris had been found, bringing the active search to an end.
The confirmation provided an important update for residents who had received the alert and followed developments throughout the evening.
When Did She Disappear?
Fayren Morris was initially reported missing on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
According to information released during the investigation, she was last seen near the 1300 block of Washington Street in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is located in Volusia County, along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Authorities began investigating her disappearance after concerns were raised about her whereabouts.
As the search developed, investigators gathered information that eventually led to the statewide alert.
Officials have not publicly provided a complete account of the teenager’s movements between November 7 and her recovery five days later.
Florida AMBER Alert
On Thursday evening, November 12, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a statewide AMBER Alert for Fayren Morris.
The alert identified her as a missing 16-year-old believed to be at risk.
AMBER Alerts are emergency notifications used in qualifying child-abduction cases when authorities believe public assistance could help locate a child facing serious danger.
The notification brought the case to the attention of residents across Florida.
Local television stations and online news organizations also shared information about the search.
The statewide warning represented a significant escalation in efforts to locate Morris.
Who Is Ra’kim Edwards?
During the investigation, authorities identified 34-year-old Ra’kim Edwards as a person they were seeking information about in connection with Morris’s disappearance.
Initial alerts indicated that the teenager might be traveling with Edwards in the DeLand area.
DeLand is also located in Volusia County, west of New Smyrna Beach.
Police warned that Edwards might be armed, increasing concerns about the teenager’s safety.
However, being named in an emergency alert does not establish criminal guilt.
The circumstances of Edwards’s possible involvement were not fully established in the initial public reports.
Authorities later confirmed that they had made contact with him as part of the investigation.
How Was She Found?
Morris was confirmed safe later on November 12, shortly after the statewide AMBER Alert was issued.
At approximately 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department announced through social media that the teenager had been located unharmed.
The announcement ended hours of heightened public concern following the emergency notification.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement subsequently canceled the AMBER Alert.
Officials did not immediately provide a detailed explanation of the recovery operation or disclose the precise location where Morris was found.
Those details remain important distinctions because the public confirmation established her safety without explaining every aspect of the case.
Police Investigation
Although Morris was found safe, the investigation did not immediately conclude.
According to local news coverage, authorities continued examining the events surrounding her disappearance and the circumstances that led to the AMBER Alert.
Investigators also confirmed that they had contacted Edwards.
However, public reports did not establish whether he had committed an offense or what role, if any, he played in the teenager’s disappearance.
No criminal charge should be assumed without an official announcement from law enforcement or court records.
Investigators may examine witness accounts, communications, and other evidence as they determine what occurred.
Any future findings will depend on the results of that investigation.
Why the Alert Mattered
The AMBER Alert system allows law enforcement agencies to distribute urgent information about qualifying child-abduction cases.
In Morris’s case, the statewide notification warned residents about a teenager believed to be in danger and identified an area where she might be located.
Such alerts can reach people through mobile phones, news broadcasts, and other emergency communication systems.
Their purpose is to increase public awareness quickly when investigators believe timely information may help protect a child.
The cancellation of Morris’s alert confirmed that the immediate search was no longer necessary.
It did not, however, establish the full circumstances behind her disappearance.
Community Response
The case drew attention across Volusia County and other parts of Florida after the emergency alert was distributed.
Residents following the search received an important update when police announced that Morris had been located safely.
The news was particularly significant because the original notification had raised concerns about possible danger.
Local news outlets, including WESH and WFTV, continued reporting on the case after the alert was canceled.
Their coverage also highlighted the distinction between finding the teenager and completing the investigation.
While her recovery resolved the immediate concern about her whereabouts, questions remained about what happened during the days she was missing.
What Happens Next?
The next stage of the case depends on the findings of the investigating authorities.
Police may release additional information if they establish the circumstances of Morris’s disappearance or determine that criminal conduct occurred.
However, there is no confirmed public timeline for further announcements.
Because Morris is a minor, some information about her personal circumstances may remain confidential.
Protecting her privacy is especially important now that the emergency search has ended.
The public should rely on verified police statements rather than unconfirmed online claims about the teenager or individuals mentioned during the investigation.
Latest Case Update
As of November 14, 2026, Fayren Morris has been found safe, and the Florida AMBER Alert issued for her has been canceled.
The 16-year-old was originally reported missing on November 7 near Washington Street in New Smyrna Beach.
Authorities issued the statewide alert on November 12 before confirming her safe recovery later that evening.
Police also reported making contact with Ra’kim Edwards, whose possible connection to the disappearance remained under investigation.
The confirmed outcome is that Morris was located unharmed. The precise circumstances of her disappearance and any potential criminal responsibility had not been publicly established in the initial reports.
