Authorities in Arizona have issued a statewide alert for an 8-year-old girl who disappeared on Thursday, prompting a desperate search for her whereabouts.

According to the Navajo Times, Maleeka Boone was last spotted near the Coalmine Navajo Housing area. Her disappearance was reported on Thursday, leading to the issuance of a Turquoise Alert the following day, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

This Turquoise Alert was specifically activated due to Boone’s Native American heritage and the fact that Coalmine is situated within the Navajo Nation.

As reported by KPHO, Boone’s extended absence is highly unusual and concerning for those who know her.

Boone is described as approximately 4 feet 5 inches tall, weighing between 50 and 60 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. At the time she went missing, she was wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and cowboy boots.

Anyone with information regarding Boone’s whereabouts should call the Navajo Police Department Tuba City District at 928-283-3111 or 928-283-3112.

[Feature Photo: Handout]