Authorities in Colorado are urgently searching for a missing teenager who vanished from her neighborhood. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation launched an alert for 14-year-old Aaliyah Heredia, last seen in Brighton on August 22, 2025, highlighting her cognitive impairment that could make her more vulnerable.

Details of the Disappearance

Aaliyah Heredia disappeared around 7:20 p.m. on Friday evening in a quiet residential area. Police believe she walked away from the 300 block of Grey Rock Street in Brighton, a suburb north of Denver.

This case has drawn quick attention due to her age and condition. Officials note that teens with cognitive challenges often face higher risks when missing, as they might struggle to seek help or navigate safely.

Investigators have not released details on any potential foul play yet. They continue to review security footage and interview locals to piece together her movements.

Physical Description and Last Seen Outfit

Aaliyah stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes, with a distinctive butterfly tattoo on her right hand.

At the time of her disappearance, she wore gray pants and a black t-shirt. She carried a black backpack, which could help spot her in public spaces.

These details come from family reports and witness accounts. Police urge anyone who might have seen someone matching this description to come forward right away.

Brighton, a growing community of around 40,000 people, sees few such cases, but this one has mobilized local resources.

Family members describe Aaliyah as friendly but sometimes withdrawn due to her impairment. They worry she could be disoriented without familiar support.

Community Efforts and How to Help

Residents in Brighton and nearby areas have stepped up to aid the search. Volunteers have distributed flyers and checked parks, trails, and bus stops.

Social media plays a big role, with posts sharing her photo reaching thousands. This mirrors how online sharing helped resolve other missing person cases in Colorado this year.

If you spot Aaliyah, do not approach her. Instead, call 911 or the Brighton Police Department at 303-287-7453 immediately.

Here are key steps the public can take:

• Share her description on social platforms to widen the reach.
• Check your home security cameras for any sightings from August 22 onward.
• Report any tips, no matter how small, to authorities without delay.

These actions can make a real difference, as quick tips often lead to safe recoveries in missing teen cases.

Similar Cases and Broader Context

Colorado has seen several missing person alerts this year involving vulnerable individuals. For instance, earlier in 2025, officials located a missing boy from Rifle after a public alert, showing how these systems work.

Stats from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicate over 460,000 children go missing annually in the U.S., with many resolved within days thanks to community help.

Cognitive impairments affect about 1 in 6 children in the country, according to health data, raising risks in situations like this.

In Aaliyah’s case, her condition might mean she avoids strangers or gets lost easily. Experts stress the first 48 hours are critical for positive outcomes.

Recent events, like the safe return of a missing elderly woman in Colorado last month, highlight the effectiveness of statewide alerts.

Authorities’ Response and Next Steps

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation activated an Endangered Missing Alert soon after her disappearance. This tool broadcasts details to law enforcement and the public across the state.

Brighton Police Department leads the ground search, coordinating with nearby agencies. They have increased patrols in the area and plan to expand if needed.

Officials emphasize that Aaliyah’s cognitive impairment does not mean she is incapable, but it adds urgency to finding her quickly.

This timeline shows the rapid response, but time remains a factor.

As the search enters its third day, hope remains high for Aaliyah’s safe return. Families in similar situations often find comfort in community support.

If this story resonates with you, share it with friends and leave comments below on ways we can all help prevent such incidents.