Ethan Valdez, the 15-year-old runaway Martin area youth has been located safe. Michigan State Police from the Wayland post were involved in the successful search, which lasted three days.
A spokesperson for the family posted on Facebook, “Please be sensitive to the situation that this family has been going through this week….Things are overwhelming and this family is trying to deal with all of it immediately.
“They appreciate everyone’s help, prayers and messages but at this time need some time to breathe, heal and get through what needs to come next for them. Have some patience and do not bombard them with messages, texts, phone calls at this time….
“Also know that the circumstances regarding all of this are not necessarily any business of the public. It is all private family business, when and if they wish to talk about it and with whom is entirely up to them. The public does not have a right to know details.
“This family does want to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who sent up prayers, who shared posts, who talked to people and their own children trying to help. They cannot express enough their gratitude for the help that you have given them.”