OPP continue search for missing Haldimand County teen

UPDATE: The OPP say Autymn has been found safe as of Dec. 15.

A Haldimand county teen remains missing tonight. Autymn Steele-Cluckie was last seen at home in the Rainham Road and Sandusk Road area Wednesday night.

The family is devastated and agreed to speak to CHCH News in the hopes the public might have seen her and provide new information.

There are many layers to this case. Autymn Steele-Cluckie is on the autism spectrum. While she is 17 years old, her mother says her mind operates at a ten-year-old level and does not possess the life skills to be on her own.

To make matters worse, mom says Autymn is off her medication and the family is growing desperate by the hour.

Autymn was last seen at home at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the family, police say she last received a message on her phone at home Thursday morning at 5 a.m. Around 6 a.m. they realized she was gone.

Austen Steele is devastated over his sister’s disappearance.

“For a 17 year old nowadays you would think in 48 hours she would have turned on her phone, nothing. Because the police have her phone, so when she turns on her phone it will go right to them,” said Austen.

According to the family, police have Autymn’s phone number. She took her smart phone with her, it’s charger and a bag. Autymn’s mom says the back door to her home was found open and the security camera was turned to face up. She believes someone was waiting to take her daughter away.

“I just want my daughter to come home,” said Ashleigh Steele-Gureckaas.

Ashleigh says her daughter has a good relationship with the family. Her brother is about to become a new dad and sent him this text just before her disappearance: “I can’t wait to meet my gorgeous niece and watch you build this amazing family. Good job, Ozzy. I’m proud of you. I love you.”

“I need her to know that we love her so much. She’s so loved. And the family loves her so much,” said Ashleigh.

Autymn is described as five-feet, six-inches tall with a slim build, brown hair, blue eyes and freckles. She may also be wearing a black jacket with fur on the hood.

“None of this makes sense. I’m hopeful but as the hours go by, the days go by, and what we’ve found out from police, nothing. We’re just waiting for someone to see her,” said Austen.

CHCH News reached out to OPP West Region for an update in this case. They said it’s an ongoing search with no new information so far.

The OPP is encouraging members of the public who have any tips, no matter how small, to contact them at 1-888-310-1122.

READ MORE: OPP seeking assistance in locating missing teen last seen in Haldimand County