Dear Northfield Public Schools families and staff:
I write this morning with some difficult news. The Northfield Police Department (NPD) is asking for the community’s help in locating 6-year-old Elle Ragin, who is a student at Prairie Creek Community School and is missing. I am also saddened to share that Elle’s mom, Lisa Wade, was found dead of an apparent suicide, according to NPD.
» Read the full NPD press release
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with this investigation. NPD is asking anyone who saw Ms. Wade or Elle Ragin in the past two weeks to contact them at (507) 645-4477.
Situations like this one impact our entire community. I have been in contact with the Prairie Creek administration and will continue to offer our district’s support. Again, please contact NPD if you have any information about this situation.
Please hold this family and the Prairie Creek school community in your hearts at this time.
Sincerely,
Matt
—
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.