Balloon release for missing Cocke County teenager

Jul 10, 2009
Last Updated: 11:54 PM Jul 10, 2009
Reporter: Lauren Davis
Email Address: lauren.davis@wvlt-tv.com

While one family is relieved, another is still holding out hope.
Cocke County held a balloon release for missing 19-year old Megan Maxwell.
She's been missing 2 and a half months.
Family and friends tell us tonight it's a way to keep Megan's memory alive.
Hundreds of colorful balloons are released into the pale blue sky.
They quickly disappear just as Megan did on April the 26th.
Megan's mom Lisa Maxwell says, "I don't know where Megan is. I have no idea where Megan is."
Megan's car was found burned out near the French Broad River the morning after she disappeared.
Maurice Shults, Newport chief of police says, "We keep getting leads daily. We have people call with little things."

Friends, family and police have searched water and woods to find her.
Still no sign of Megan.

That's the reason for the balloon release.

Shults says, "Help to keep Megan's face in the public's eye. Help them to remember she is still missing."

Many people wore shirts with Megan's picture on the front.

Little ones write messages for missing Megan.
"I'm so sad without you."

That's the gloomy message on a bright yellow balloon.
Another reads, "Love you, miss you, never stop praying for you, all my love, Granny.
Lisa Maxwell says, "A lot of people say how can you just keep on and on it's the community."

And Megan's mom says she'll keep on and on until Megan is found.