Search for missing teens is over, both found safe

EDGERTON -- 13-year-olds Emma Hansen and Derek Siefken of Edgerton were found safe Thursday evening. Officials from the Edgerton Police Department had asked for help from the public after the two teens left their homes on Wednesday, June 13th.

Shortly after 5 p.m., when officials from the Edgerton Police Department were talking with the media about the case, a phone call came to Derek's father, Jeff Siefken. FOX6's cameras were rolling as Derek's father answered the call from his son.

Derek's father was heard saying, "Where are you?" This presumably indicated the two were found. Minutes later, Hansen's mother confirmed the teens were safe. They apparently had been hiding in the woods in Stoughton along Highway N, where a neighbor reportedly found them on a walking path after deciding to check her property.

Through text messages left with friends and phone conversations, it was believed that one or both of the teens may have been at risk. Their last contact via text message happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The pair had been boyfriend and girlfriend. Their parents say there had been some drama between the two -- and it ended up in a breakup.

"Everybody's okay. The kids have been out obviously for a little over 24 hours now, so we're gonna get them some water and something to eat, and we'll talk with them," Lt. Bob Bolgirhn said.

Emma's mom, Wendy Hansen-Haines shared relief Thursday night after what she calls the worst experience of her life.

"I can't wait to get her home. We'll have a meal and have a chat and we'll deal with everything tomorrow," Hansen-Haines said.

There is no official word yet on what caused the teens to run away and hide in the woods. Their parents said earlier Thursday they suspect it had something to do with their efforts to keep the teens apart.