Elizabeth Smart on ‘Brave’ Jayme Closs: ‘What a Miracle!’
MIRACLE
Elizabeth Smart, whose kidnapping and captivity in 2003 made national headlines, was “thrilled” to learn that 13-year-old Jayme Closs was found alive Thursday afternoon. “What a miracle!!!” Smart wrote in an Instagram post. “What has been such a heart wrenching tragedy finally has some happiness in the story.” Closs, who went missing in October after her parents were found murdered in their home, escaped from her alleged kidnapper, 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson, on Thursday and stopped a woman walking her dog, who then notified authorities. “I hope we may all continue to support and embrace Jayme as she reclaims her life and comes to terms with the reality of her situation,” Smart wrote. “What a brave, strong, and powerful survivor!!!! No matter what may unfold in her story let’s all try to remember that this young woman has SURVIVED and whatever other details may surface the most important will still remain that she is alive.”