HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI) – Monday marks five years since 5-year-old Summer Wells disappeared from her home on Ben Hill Road, launching one of the most extensive missing child investigations in Tennessee history.
Since June 15, 2021, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has worked alongside the FBI and the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened to Summer. Despite years of investigation, the case remains unsolved.
TBI officials say there are no new developments to announce publicly, but stress the investigation is still active and ongoing, with every credible lead continuing to be evaluated.
TBI Director David Rausch acknowledged the milestone, saying, “From the very beginning, our focus has been on Summer and finding out what happened to her. We never imagined her case would remain unsolved five years later.” He added that investigators have made progress over the past year, but many questions remain.
Rausch urged anyone with firsthand knowledge to come forward, noting that even the smallest detail could make a difference.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or email TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov.
