Family of missing teen still seeks answers 16 years later

Author: Jennifer Jones
Published: Updated:

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Saturday marks a somber anniversary, the family of Wendy Hudakoc tells WINK News the teen’s disappearance 16 years ago still haunts them.

“With a yearly reminder it’s got to weigh heavier on someone’s shoulders, to know that we’re still looking for answers, we’re still dealing with this everyday” said Sharlene Boyatt, who is Hudakoc’s sister.

This is what the 14-year-old looked like when she disappeared on November 15, 1998.

“I remember it all like it was yesterday. She got a phone call, she told me she was sneaking out to a party at a friend’s house and asked me to come with her, beg and pleaded for me to come with her and I said no. She never came home that night” said Boyatt.

16 years later, this is what the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children believes Hudakoc would look like today at the age of 30. Her family tells WINK News they don’t want her face to be forgotten.

“We’re just simply asking for someone who knows a bit of the story to come forward, unburden yourself, relieve the mental stress and tell the truth. Let us know what happened and where we can find Wendy” said Hudakoc’s stepfather Dan Campbell.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said Hudakoc’s case is still open and the best hope of solving this case is new information. Something Campbell and Boyatt continue to plead for.

“Please write an anonymous letter, something, just let us put this to rest” said Boyatt.

The Center for Missing and Exploited Children describes Hudacok as having braces on her teeth at the time of her disappearance, a scar on her left hand, and a birthmark on the back of her neck. She would be about 5 feet, 6 inches and 130 pounds.

Any tips can be made to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300. Or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780- TIPS (8477).

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