On 23 September 2024, 14-year-old Stefanie Damron walked into the woods near her home in New Sweden, Maine after a disagreement with her sister—and never came back. That evening would mark the beginning of a painful and ongoing mystery for her family. Her parents, Christopher and Lisa Marie Damron reported her missing the next day when she didn’t return.
Stefanie was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. She had shoulder-length brown hair, green eyes, stood 5 feet tall and weighed around 130 pounds.
Her parents explained that the wooded area surrounding their property was familiar to their children. “We live a half mile back in the woods and our kids are very comfortable in their surroundings so there was nothing to raise flags the first few hours,” they told WAGM-TV.
An Intensive Search Begins
After Stefanie was reported missing, the Maine State Police, FBI and Maine Warden Service launched a large-scale search. Using search dogs, drones and helicopters, authorities covered the dense forest surrounding the Damron property. Investigators also conducted interviews and pursued leads that extended beyond Maine to other states and into Canada.
Despite these efforts, no breakthrough has occurred. Lt. Darrin Crane of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit stated, “At this point, everything is still on the table for us. We don’t have any concrete leads or tips that have led us, basically, in one direction or the other.”
According to Spectrum Local News, In December 2024, the FBI announced a $15,000 reward for any information that could lead to finding Stefanie Damron or prosecuting those responsible for her disappearance.
Jodi Cohen, the special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division said the agency hopes the reward encourages people to come forward even if they believe what they know is minor. She explained that no detail is too small and the right tip—even something that seems insignificant—could be the key to solving the case.
Voices from a Grieving Community
The town of New Sweden with a population of around 575 people, was left stunned by Stefanie’s disappearance. Locals came together to search the area, hold vigils and support the Damron family.
“I remember seeing her around town from time to time. Quiet, polite. It’s haunting to think someone can just vanish like that,” one resident said.
Stefanie’s mother has used social media to keep the public engaged. “Please keep your eyes open and sharing,” she wrote. “Help us bring our baby girl …”, according to People.
A relative told Bangor Daily News that Stefanie had previously run away but she was always found hiding nearby in the woods. Some believe this case didn’t receive the attention it deserved early on. “She was basically made to live like a pioneer, completely off grid, and was homeschooled,” a Reddit user posted. “I wish her case had received more attention early on.”
One neighbor commented, “When a child is homeschooled and cut off from social media, it can be harder for the public to recognize when something goes wrong. Stefanie’s story deserves the same attention as any other missing child.”
Still No Answers
As of May 2025, Stefanie Damron remains missing. She had no phone or electronic device with her which has made tracking her movements even more difficult. Authorities are still urging anyone with even the smallest bit of information to come forward.
“She could be out there, waiting to be found,” said a search volunteer. “We haven’t given up hope, and neither should anyone else.”
The search continues and so does the pain and hope of a family desperate for answers.
