In the early morning hours of December 1, 2023, 13-year-old Diego Hernandez left his family's home in the Montbello neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Surveillance video from his backyard captured him putting on a jacket, grabbing a bicycle, and leaving at approximately 4:00 AM. The night before he vanished was described by his mother, Heather Hernandez, as entirely normal; the family had dinner together before everyone went to bed. His father noticed he was gone the next morning.
While Diego was considered a habitual runaway, this extended and uncommunicated absence deeply concerned his family and authorities, sparking a wider search.
The family was determined to find Diego, with his mother and siblings taking to the streets to pass out flyers. His mother expressed the profound impact of his absence on their family, stating, "I try to work, I try to make it normal as possible for the kids to go to school and have the same routine, but when we are missing a missing piece, it's not the same." The Denver Police Department led the investigation, and information was shared widely with the public. Diego was described as a Hispanic male, 4-foot-9 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also became involved, releasing the home surveillance footage to aid in the search. At one point in February, there was a reported sighting of him at a Safeway in Grand Junction, classifying him as a "highly vulnerable child."
After months of painful uncertainty for his loved ones, the search for Diego Hernandez came to a positive conclusion. He was found alive and his missing person case was closed. While the specific details and exact date of his recovery have not been made public, the resolution brought an end to an emotional and trying period for his family and community. The case began as the concerning disappearance of a young teen who left home in the middle of the night. The sustained efforts of his family and law enforcement, however, ultimately led to his safe return.Last Seen: Dec 1, 2023
