Relief in West Virginia as Missing 16-Year-Old Matthew Payne Is Found Safe After Days-Long Search That Mobilized Nitro, Charleston, and Surrounding Communities

After several tense and emotional days, the Payne family and the surrounding West Virginia communities can finally breathe a sigh of relief—Matthew Payne, the 16-year-old who was reported missing after leaving Nitro High School last Thursday morning, has been found safe.

The announcement, shared joyfully and urgently across social media with the message “HE HAS BEEN FOUND”, marked the end of a deeply distressing chapter for Matthew’s family and the many people who rallied behind the search. The teen’s sudden disappearance had gripped multiple cities in Kanawha County, including Nitro, St. Albans, Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, and nearby areas, as word of his vanishing spread quickly through the region and online.

The Disappearance

Matthew Payne was last seen on Thursday morning, April 10, 2025, leaving the campus of Nitro High School, where he is a student. Aged 16, standing 5’9″ and weighing approximately 220 pounds, Matthew’s disappearance was alarming not only because of his age but because there were no clear signs or explanations at the time as to where he may have gone or why.

As his family grew increasingly concerned, his brother took to social media in a desperate plea for help, writing:

“My brother Matthew Payne is missing. He was last seen leaving Nitro High School Thursday morning. He is 16 years old. 5’9, 220lbs. If you or someone you know has seen him, please contact the police immediately.”

This message was widely shared and quickly spread throughout the community, reaching local forums, Facebook groups, and eventually news outlets as the family worked closely with law enforcement in a coordinated effort to bring Matthew home.

The Search and Community Response

Law enforcement agencies and local volunteers sprang into action. Flyers were posted. Social media was flooded with images of Matthew. Leads were followed. Schools and businesses across Nitro, Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston shared messages urging the public to be on the lookout.

The collective effort underscored the strength of a tight-knit community bound by the common goal of ensuring a young boy’s safe return. Local churches and youth groups offered prayers. Community leaders urged everyone to remain vigilant, and strangers stepped in to assist in whatever ways they could.

Found Safe and Reunited with Family

While official details regarding how or where Matthew was located have not been released, the most important update is that he is safe and back with his loved ones. His family confirmed the news in an emotional follow-up post, thanking everyone who helped, shared his photo, prayed, and supported them through the ordeal.

“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to every single person who shared his photo, contacted us, called in tips, or offered prayers. Matthew is home. We are beyond grateful.”

At this time, the family has asked for privacy as they take time to reconnect, decompress, and support Matthew following what has undoubtedly been a traumatic experience.

Moving Forward

While the specifics of what led to Matthew’s disappearance remain private for now, his story serves as a powerful reminder of how crucial community response, awareness, and rapid communication are during missing persons cases. It also highlights the emotional strain such situations place on families—and how deeply healing it is when communities stand together.

The Payne family has promised to share more when they are ready, but for now, their focus is on healing, gratitude, and the joy of having Matthew back in their arms.

Welcome home, Matthew. You were missed—and you were found.