UPDATE: Missing Brainerd Girl Found

A Brainerd girl who went missing last week has been found.

Ayla Madsen, age 15,  disappeared on Saturday, June 25 after competing in the Miss Brainerd United States pageant.

The Brainerd Police Department had asked the public for help in locating Madsen for the last several weeks. According to a Facebook post from their page dated July 1, she is now safe.

Authorities believe Madsen ran away from home. Family members say recent events, including the recent deaths of her father and grandfather, may have contributed to her decision to leave.

Renae Rusch, Madsen’s aunt, said the family was told she turned herself in to police on July 1.

“I am so glad (Ayla) did, because as every moment passed by, the more I worried about her,” Rusch said.

In a post to her Facebook page, Madsen said she ran away because she didn’t want to return to her birth mother.

“Since my dad died she took me,” Madsen said. “But I am now safe in the Brainerd area.”

Lakeland News will bring you more details as they are released.

Pictured: Ayla Madsen