Tacoma Teen Missing for 5 Weeks, Family Pleads for Help

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is asking the public to assist in finding the 17-year-old girl.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a personal item belonging to Samantha Ellison, such as a hairbrush or piece of jewelry, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The search for a missing Tacoma teenager intensifies as authorities appeal to the public for any information that could help bring her home safely.Seattle Today

A 17-year-old girl named Samantha Ellison has been missing from her home in Tacoma, Washington for the past five weeks. Authorities believe she may still be in the local area or may have traveled out of state, and her family is extremely worried for her safety as this is highly uncharacteristic behavior.

Why it matters

Missing person cases, especially involving minors, are deeply concerning for local communities. Samantha's disappearance has left her family distraught, and the authorities are seeking the public's help to locate her and ensure her safe return home.

The details

Samantha Ellison, a 17-year-old girl, went missing from her home in Tacoma on February 22. She is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has stated that authorities believe Samantha may still be in the local area or may have traveled out of state.

  • Samantha Ellison went missing from her home in Tacoma on February 22, 2026.
  • It has been 5 weeks since Samantha's disappearance.

The players

Samantha Ellison

A 17-year-old girl who has been missing from her home in Tacoma, Washington for the past 5 weeks.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

A nonprofit organization that is assisting in the search for Samantha Ellison and asking the public for help in locating her.

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What they’re saying

“Samantha, your family loves and misses you so much. We want you to come home and hope that you are safe.”

— Samantha Ellison's Mother

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate Samantha's disappearance and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community involvement in missing person cases, as Samantha's safe return home is the top priority. The public is encouraged to contact the authorities with any leads or tips that could assist in finding the missing teenager.