Police in Latvia confirmed on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that a 7-year-old girl who had been reported missing from her home in Kazdanga was found safe and unharmed.
Melānija Ūsele disappeared from her residence in the Dienvidkurzemes municipality around 8:00 p.m. Local time. Authorities launched an immediate search operation, which included the employ of drone technology—a first in Latvia for a missing child case.
Around 11:05 p.m., investigators received information that the girl had been located near her home. Police confirmed she was in good health and spirits, with no signs of distress or injury.
The successful resolution marked the first time Latvian law enforcement deployed aerial search drones in response to a child disappearance, highlighting a novel approach to urgent search efforts in rural communities.
