Missing 16-Year-Old Zaylen Barrack Davis Reported in Charlottesville, Virginia

 Authorities and community members are actively searching for 16-year-old Zaylen Barrack Davis, who was reported missing earlier this week from the Charlottesville area. The unexpected loss of the teenager has triggered a significant initiative involving both law enforcement and the public to find him and return him safely to his family.

As reported by the Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse, Zaylen was seen last on January 7, 2026, in Charlottesville. His absence was noted when he failed to arrive home or contact family members, leading to worries among his relatives and resulting in an immediate missing person report being filed with local law enforcement.

Local authorities have described Zaylen as a Black male with an afro hairstyle; he was last seen in gray sweat shorts, a black hoodie, and black boots. His recognizable appearance is being widely circulated on social media and community boards as investigators seek tips from the public.

The Charlottesville Police Department is conducting a comprehensive inquiry into Zaylen's disappearance, which involves examining surveillance footage in the area, interviewing friends and acquaintances, and canvassing the neighborhood.

Officers stress the urgency of acting quickly in cases involving missing children, particularly within the first 24 to 48 hours, urging anyone with any information, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, to come forward. The police have yet to provide specifics about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and have not confirmed whether foul play is involved.

"This is a heartbreaking situation for the family and the entire Charlottesville community," stated a police spokesperson. "We are determined to do everything in our power to locate Zaylen. We ask the public to stay alert and report any sightings or leads that could aid our efforts."

In reaction to the alert, local residents and volunteer organizations have come together to help raise awareness. Flyers detailing Zaylen's description are being distributed at community centers, schools, and businesses, while numerous posts on social media have been shared across Charlottesville and the neighboring areas.

Several members of the community have also formed small search teams to explore parks, wooded areas, and other locations where the teenager might have been seen.

Officials assert that the involvement of the public is crucial in cases of missing children. Alongside physical searches, police are encouraging residents to examine home security systems, doorbell cameras, or vehicle dashcam footage recorded around the time Zaylen was last known to be in the area.

Even short glimpses of activity or vehicles could yield significant tips that help narrow down the search and locate his position.

In addition to law enforcement activities, organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) are providing support in this case by helping to spread information and promoting greater awareness across different regions.

These organizations collaborate closely with local police departments to ensure that profiles of missing youth are added to national databases and shared with relevant media outlets.

Family members of Zaylen have reached out to the community for assistance, revealing their pain and desire for his safe return. “We just want our son back,” stated a family member. “Each passing minute increases our fear. Please, if you have seen him or possess any information, inform someone.”

Those who think they may have spotted Zaylen or have pertinent details are encouraged to get in touch with the Charlottesville Police Department right away using their non-emergency contact number, or to dial 911 if there is a belief that he is in immediate danger.

Authorities also promote the submission of anonymous information through local tip lines or crime stoppers initiatives, as these can play a significant role in progressing the investigation.

As the search moves into its next crucial phase, both law enforcement and the community continue to stand together in their hope that Zaylen will be found soon and safely reunited with his family.