Emilee Irsik, junior German major, was found today in Germany after she made a secret trip abroad over Fall Break. Irsik is safe and with German authorities.

Emilee Irsik, a 20-year-old German major at Emporia State, was found this afternoon. Irsik’s mother, Sherry, spoke with her daughter on the phone at about noon local time, according to an ESU press release.

“We are so grateful to everyone who shared in our concern and who said a prayer,” Irsik’s mother told ESU officials.

Irsik made a secret trip to Germany over Fall Break – no one, not her family, roommates or boyfriend, knew about it. One of Irsik’s roommates, Megan Nolan, told The Bulletin that Irsik said she was “going home” over the break, which she assumed meant Irsik was visiting her grandmother in Wichita. When Irsik hadn’t returned to campus the evening of Oct. 22, Nolan and her other roommate, who declined an interview with The Bulletin, contacted their Resident Assistant who then contacted campus police.

Irsik is currently with authorities in Germany, and her family is working to be reunited with her, the press release stated.

A Facebook group, “Emilee Irsik – Missing Person,” was created to help locate Irsik, and the details of her disappearance and several photos were distributed both in the United States and abroad.

Megan Finkeldei, a family friend who spearheaded the Facebook group, posted the following at approximately noon today:

“We have wonderful news! Emilee’s family is happy to confirm that Emilee is safe and with the German police at this time. We have no more information at this time. We are incredibly grateful for everyone that has joined in this effort. To everyone that has hung a flier, made a phone call, written a story or just said a prayer, our gratitude has no words. We don’t know when she is coming home at this point or any other details but will keep you posted as we know more. Thank you!!!!! It’s a great day!”

More information to follow as it becomes available.