Arizona woman who disappeared at 13 found after 32 years

A woman who disappeared as a teenage girl from a small Arizona town has been found alive after she was reported missing 32 years ago, law enforcement officials announced.

Christina Marie Plante was age 13 when she "vanished without a trace" from Star Valley, about 90 miles northeast of Phoenix, the Gila County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Wednesday, April 1, press release.

Plante, who went by the nickname "Tina," was last seen the afternoon of May 15, 1994, when she left home to walk to a stable where her horse was located, according to the sheriff's office.

"Investigators have confirmed her identity, and her status is a missing person has officially been resolved," the sheriff's office reported. "Out of respect for Christina’s privacy and well-being, additional details will not be released at this time."

'Exhaustive underground searches, interviews'

Law enforcement and volunteers were involved in "extensive search efforts" at the time the girl disappeared with "exhaustive (underground) searches, interviews" conducted, the agency wrote.

"Over the years, the case remained open and active, with investigators periodically re-examining evidence," the sheriff's office wrote in its release.

Plante was identified via new leads that were developed through "advances in technology, modern investigative techniques, and detailed case review," the sheriff's office wrote.

Where was Christina Marie Plante found?

It was not immediately known where Plante was found, where she was located or whether she had been reunited with family or loved ones.

Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd could not immediately be reached for comment.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund. Jose R. Gonzalez is a reporter with The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.