Neighbors, hunters asked to help in search for missing 2-year-old in Virginia

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Va. — Dozens of volunteers are joining federal, state, and local law enforcement in the search for 2-year-old Bridget Zeigler in Cumberland County.

Zeigler is the subject of a CODI Alert issued Sept. 24, 2026.

Virginia State Police spokesperson Matt Demlein said she is believed to have walked away from her home around 6 p.m. that evening. Law enforcement was notified within the hour.

The search is focused near Anderson Highway and Hidden Valley Road, where canines and a state helicopter have been deployed.

The FBI and Virginia State Police reviewed surveillance cameras at a nearby business, but Zeigler did not appear on those cameras.

VSP

"We're asking residents of Cumberland County to check their property for Bridget Zeigler," Demlein said. "Additionally, we're asking hunters to check their trail cameras, and if you happen to have cameras on your property, please check them as we continue the search."

Demlein said the search has been ongoing since law enforcement was first notified.

"Law enforcement was notified within the hour, and we've been searching ever since," Demlein said.

Volunteers have also turned out in force to help find the toddler.

"Currently we have enough volunteers and are asking everyone to pull back so the professionals can go in," the Cumberland Sheriff's Deparment posted on Facebook at about 11 a.m. Friday. "If we need more, we will send out another message. Thanking you all for your support and willingness to help!"

One volunteer, a mother herself, said she felt compelled to help.

"It's so scary. I have a two-year-old at home, so I told my husband. I said, 'We need. I need to do something, it was called last night. This little girl, it it breaks my heart,'" the volunteer said.

She had a message for Zeigler's mother.

"Hang on. we're working on it. We're doing what we can. We're, we're, we're with you. You guys aren't alone. We're doing everything. You have a village," the volunteer said.

Zeigler was last seen wearing an orange dress, a blue coat, and white sneakers. She is believed to be on foot.

Anyone who sees Zeigler should contact the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department at (804) 492-4120.