Alek Yel, 16, was last seen February 22, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, and was reported voluntarily absent from her east-side residence. Her last known location is the 2200 block of East Walnut Street; her last known contact was reported on February 23, 2025. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children assigned case number 2063466.

Authorities believe she may be with friends or associates who might not know she’s been reported missing. Anyone with information should contact the Des Moines Police Department at 283-4811 or NCMEC’s 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

Did anyone in the Des Moines area see Alek Yel around East Walnut Street in late February?