A 13 year old Indigenous girl is missing in Cortez. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has activated a special alert and needs the public to step up fast. Orange Dior was last seen walking alone Wednesday afternoon in a residential area of the small southwest Colorado town.
Authorities say every minute counts in cases like this. Residents and travelers in the Four Corners region should stay alert for any sign of her.
Teen Last Seen Walking Alone in Cortez Neighborhood
Orange Dior disappeared on February 25, 2026. She was spotted walking eastbound by herself in the 400 block of West Second Street around 4:08 p.m.
Cortez sits in Montezuma County near the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. It is a tight knit community of roughly 9,000 people known as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. A young teen walking alone in late afternoon light raises quick concern among locals who know the area well.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation took the lead on the public alert. This move shows how seriously officials view the situation. Small town streets can empty fast after school hours. Witnesses may have seen something important without realizing it at first.
Full Description Released to Aid Search Efforts
Orange Dior stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair.
She wore specific clothing that should help people recognize her:
- Black sweatshirt with the number 71 on the back
- Black leggings
- Black and white Nike shoes
Her tribal affiliation is with the Ute Tribe. This detail triggered the Missing Indigenous Person Alert through state channels. These alerts aim to spread word faster across Colorado and neighboring states.
The outfit suggests she left without planning a long trip. Black and white sneakers stand out against winter pavement. The numbered sweatshirt offers a clear visual marker for anyone driving or walking nearby.
Law enforcement released the details through multiple channels. Both local news outlets and social media accounts shared the information within hours.
Special Alert Highlights Broader Safety Concerns
Colorado uses targeted alerts for missing Indigenous people. The system connects state agencies with tribal authorities to improve response times. The Office of the Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives works alongside the CBI on these efforts.
Cortez lies close to sovereign tribal lands. Families in these communities often face extra challenges when loved ones go missing. Geography, jurisdiction questions, and limited resources can complicate searches in rural areas.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Council shared the alert on social platforms. Nonprofit groups like the AWARE Foundation also pushed the information widely. This rapid community response shows strong networks ready to help.
In a town where many people know each other, one missing child affects everyone. Neighbors check their cameras. Drivers scan roadsides more carefully. The collective effort brings hope even in uncertain hours.
How to Report Tips and Support the Search
Call 911 if you see Orange Dior or anything suspicious. You can also contact the Cortez Police Department directly at 970-565-8441. Reference case number 26000370 when you call.
Tips do not need to seem big. A car that looked out of place, a quick glimpse of similar clothing, or someone matching her description all matter. Officers will sort through the information.
People outside the immediate area can still help. Share the official alert from trusted sources. Check your security footage if you live or work nearby. Talk to family members who might have traveled through Cortez that day.
Stay safe while helping. Do not approach anyone if you think you see her. Let trained professionals handle the situation.
The public has already begun spreading the word. Posts from official accounts show steady shares across platforms. This digital support multiplies the eyes on the ground.
Orange Dior is a young girl with family and community who want her home safe. Her sudden disappearance has shaken the quiet routines of daily life in Cortez. Yet it has also pulled people together in a common purpose.
Small towns show their strength in moments like these. Strangers become allies in the search. Information flows faster when everyone stays watchful.
If you have details about her whereabouts, reach out now. The family and investigators are waiting for any lead that brings answers. A single phone call could change everything.
Your eyes and quick thinking remain the best tool available right now. Stay vigilant and keep hope alive for a safe return.
