Arizona officials issued a statewide Turquoise Alert on Sunday night for 16-year-old Yolyn Hermios, who was last seen near Dobson and Broadway roads in Mesa, Arizona around 7 p.m. The alert, aimed at locating missing or endangered teens who do not meet the criteria for Amber or Silver Alerts, highlights growing efforts to help vulnerable youth in the state.
The Turquoise Alert System
Arizona launched the Turquoise Alert program in July 2025 in response to advocacy from Native communities and lawmakers following high-profile missing youth cases, including the abduction and murder of Emily Pike earlier this year. The alert system is specifically designed to address gaps, targeting missing teens and adults under 65 who may be in danger, including Native and Indigenous individuals, at risk of underreporting and limited media attention.
Details of the Missing Teen
Yolyn Hermios is described as 4’2”, weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair featuring green highlights and brown eyes. She was last seen on foot, wearing a black shirt, black shoes, and red shorts. The Department of Public Safety urges anyone with information on Yolyn’s whereabouts to call 911 immediately.
Community Response and Next Steps
The Turquoise Alert has amplified public and media attention, mobilizing the community and law enforcement. The program’s effectiveness is under scrutiny, as only one alert has been issued since its launch despite hundreds of missing cases. Advocates continue to call for improvements and more frequent use of the system to protect vulnerable youth in Arizona.