A 14-year-old girl, reported missing in Barcelona on Thursday, has been found dead. Police sources have confirmed the body of Sophie Santos Alves was discovered in a wooded area within the city’s Gràcia district.

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Her family launched a widespread social media campaign after the teenager’s disappearance, which occurred when she failed to arrive at her secondary school in the El Carmel neighbourhood. Tragically, the search concluded on Friday when her body was discovered.

Investigation Underway

The Catalan regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have launched an investigation to formally establish the circumstances surrounding her death. While initial findings suggest the teenager may have taken her own life, investigators are meticulously piecing together her final hours, according to a report by El Periódico.

Officers are speaking with close friends and family members to understand the potential motives that could have led to this outcome. An autopsy has been scheduled, and its results will be critical to the ongoing investigation.

Before she was found, Sophie’s parents had circulated posters with her image across social media platforms, appealing for public assistance in locating their daughter. The community closely followed the search, which Barna.News had previously reported.

Support Services Available

Following this tragedy, authorities are highlighting available mental health support services. Spain’s Ministry of Health operates the 024 helpline, a dedicated service for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or for those concerned about a friend or family member.

The service, promoted with the slogan ‘Call to life’ (‘Llama a la vida’), is entirely free, confidential, and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since its launch, it has proven to be a vital resource, handling thousands of calls and identifying hundreds of active suicide risks in its initial months alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach the national suicide prevention helpline by dialling 024. The service is available for anyone in need of immediate support.

According to the official source, see Línea 024 de atención a la conducta suicida – Ministerio de Sanidad.