Fort Hood soldier believed to be missing is safe, family says

(KILLEEN, Texas) — The Fort Hood soldier who was believed to be missing has been reported safe.

Fort Hood officials said Sunday night that leadership from Pfc. Jennifer Sewell’s chain of command spoke with her family, who confirmed she is “safe and with extended family.”

“Pfc. Sewell is a valued member of our team, and our number one priority is ensuring her safe return. We are in regular contact with her family and will provide any assistance she and her family may need to return to Fort Hood,” Ltc. Octavia Davis, commander of Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, said in a statement.

Sewell was believed to be missing after she did not report for work on Oct. 7, and all attempts to contact her by investigators, her chain-of-command and her family have been unsuccessful, according to the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services (DES).

Investigators had said that Sewell was last seen leaving her on-post barracks at approximately 4 p.m. on Oct. 7.

“Initial investigation appears that Sewell left for unknown reasons on her own accord,” DES said in a statement.

Sewell, who does not own a vehicle, is described as a Black woman, 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes, according to investigators.

Fort Hood officials said Sunday that they continue to communicate with Sewell’s family and friends “to ensure she has access to resources she may need and to return her safely to Fort Hood.”

They added that they are respecting the family’s privacy and “will not provide any additional information until the appropriate time.”