Fayette County woke up to worry on a quiet day after two 15-year-old boys disappeared from a children’s home in the Beckwith area. Christian Woodrum and Dale Humphrey were last seen before 1 p.m., and by early afternoon, deputies were already racing against time to track their movements and bring them home safely.
Authorities say both teens ran away from the New River Ranch Children’s Home, triggering an immediate response from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. The case was treated as urgent from the start, with officers spreading out across nearby roads and neighborhoods within hours of the report.
Christian Woodrum is described as about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with long, curly brown hair. Dale Humphrey stands taller at around 6 feet, with short brown hair. Investigators say both boys were wearing all-black clothing when they were last seen, a detail that could help someone recognize them quickly.
As the search unfolded, deputies found footprints leading toward the Gauley Bridge area. The trail, however, did not last long. The tracks stopped near a roadway, raising the possibility that the boys may have gotten into a vehicle and left the area. That detail has pushed investigators to widen their focus beyond Beckwith.
Officials also revealed that the teens have ties outside Fayette County. One has connections to Ohio County, while the other is linked to Kanawha County. Those connections are now part of the active investigation, as law enforcement checks locations and contacts that might offer clues.
The Sheriff’s Department has made it clear that public help matters. Anyone who may have seen Christian or Dale, or who has information about where they might be, is urged to contact the Fayette County 911 Center right away. Deputies stress that even small tips can make a big difference when minors are missing.
Local officers and emergency teams are working closely with community resources, canvassing areas, speaking with residents, and following up on every lead. At the same time, authorities are asking people to avoid spreading rumors online and to rely only on verified updates, so the search is not slowed by misinformation.
For now, the focus remains on bringing two boys back safely. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department thanked the community for staying alert and supportive, reminding everyone that quick action and shared responsibility can help turn a tense situation into a safe return.
