Mother of Girl Who Went Missing Calls Daughter's Return "a Miracle"

After experiencing both the worst and best day of their lives, the family of Maria Huber wants only to focus on the positive outcome and thank the community for the outpouring of support.

“We can’t thank the Washington community enough,” said Dr. Jackie Miller, the mother of Maria, 11, who was reported missing from her home in Ming Estates east of Washington early Thursday morning.

Authorities searching for Maria found her Thursday afternoon in a ravine near Jones Lane and Highway 100. Initial reports given by the canine unit members who found her were that the child had no pulse and no signs of life, according to the sheriff. (Read full report on the Search for Maria Here)

But a short time later, authorities detected a pulse and the girl was moving. Maria was rushed to Mercy Hospital Washington and was released Thursday evening in good condition.

Miller and her husband Tim Huber, and family, released this prepared statement:

“Our family would like to thank the Washington community, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, especially Detective Lt. Chuck Subke and Officer Hill, our neighbors and friends who came together to bring Maria back to us.

“All the prayers, hard work and expertise came together to ensure a miracle in delivering Maria safely home. We cannot begin to express our deepest gratitude to this awesome community, Mercy Hospital, the fire and ambulance departments and all those who gave of themselves to help our family.”

Miller told The Missourian the family feels “blessed, so very blessed,” and truly feel having Maria home with them is nothing short of a miracle.

“That’s our only focus, nothing else matters,” she said.

Miller said she doesn’t want law enforcement being criticized for initially reporting that Maria had died.

“As a medical professional, I can see how this happened. Maria was found unconscious, she had a big lump on her head and she was hypothermic... she was probably close to death,” Miller said. “She was very cold, so I can understand it. Our law enforcement performed with extraordinary professionalism in very difficult circumstances and what matters is we have Maria home.”