A 15-year-old girl whose disappearance prompted a public search in Carbondale, Illinois, has been found safe and returned to her family, according to the Carbondale Police Department. Authorities identified the teenager as Nova J. Phelps. Police confirmed on Friday, November 13, 2026, that she had been located in Carbondale and was in good health. The search began after officers received information about her disappearance late Thursday night, November 12, at approximately 11:45 p.m. The department issued a missing-person appeal the following day, asking members of the public to help locate her. According to the initial police announcement, Phelps was last seen at around 10 a.m. on November 12 in the 1400 block of Old West Main Street in Carbondale. Police shared her physical description and clothing details to help residents identify her and provide useful information about her whereabouts. At the time she was last seen, Phelps was described as approximately 5 feet tall and weighing around 140 pounds, with blond hair and hazel eyes. She was reportedly wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black shirt, black pants and black slides. The search ended with a positive update when police announced that the teenager had been found. Officers confirmed she was in good health and had been returned to her family. The Carbondale Police Department thanked members of the public who assisted and supported the effort to locate the missing teenager. Authorities did not disclose where Phelps was found or explain the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Personal Details Detail Information Name Nova J. Phelps Age 15 years old Gender Female Location Carbondale, Illinois Height Approximately 5 feet Weight Approximately 140 pounds Hair Color Blond Eye Color Hazel Last Seen November 12, 2026, at approximately 10 a.m. Last Known Location 1400 block of Old West Main Street, Carbondale Clothing Black hooded sweatshirt, black shirt, black pants and black slides Date Located Friday, November 13, 2026 Recovery Status Found safe and in good health Family Status Returned to her family Reporting Agency Carbondale Police Department What Happened to Nova J. Phelps? The Carbondale Police Department received information about Phelps’ disappearance at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 12. Police said she had last been seen earlier that morning in the 1400 block of Old West Main Street. Authorities subsequently issued a public appeal, sharing her description and asking residents to assist with the search. The department later confirmed that she had been located in Carbondale. Missing Teen Found Safe In its follow-up announcement dated November 13, the Carbondale Police Department reported that Phelps was in good health after being found. She was subsequently returned to her family, bringing the missing-person search to a positive conclusion. Police expressed appreciation to everyone who shared information or helped during the search. Circumstances Surrounding Her Disappearance Authorities have not released details explaining why Phelps went missing or where she was located. The available police announcement did not provide information about the circumstances of her disappearance. No further details have been disclosed in the report provided. Cause of Death Not applicable. Nova J. Phelps was found alive, reported to be in good health and returned to her family. Funeral and Memorial Arrangements Not applicable. No death was reported in this incident. For more updates, please check our Facebook social media platform [Data Source]. Thank you for reading. Share this... Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin Post navigation Jose Lopez Arrested in Bridgeport Case Involving Four Children, Police Say