The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued an Amber Alert on September 9, 2025, after eight-year-old Samantha Shelly went missing in Hancock County. Samantha was last seen in Sneedville and has a medical condition that could hinder her ability to return home safely without help. Authorities described her as about four feet two inches tall, weighing roughly 55 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. The public was asked to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office or the TBI’s tip line if they had any information.
Less than thirty minutes after the alert was issued, the TBI confirmed that Samantha had been found safe. Their social media post expressed gratitude for how rapidly the community helped share information. This prompt action underscores how effective Amber Alerts can be when the public responds swiftly.
The case highlighted how seriously authorities take missing children alerts, particularly under Tennessee’s criteria for activating an Amber Alert. These alerts are reserved for the most severe situations, such as when a child is believed to be in imminent danger and there is enough descriptive information for the public to aid in their recovery. In Samantha’s situation, both the medical concern and the detailed description enabled a rapid vetting and mobilization of assistance.
Ultimately, the quick resolution of Samantha’s case provided relief to the community and was a testament to how coordinated efforts between law enforcement and the public can lead to a safe outcome in a child abduction scenario.
