TAMARAC — A missing teenager case in Broward County has been classified by detectives as a runaway, but family members say they fear she may be in danger and are pleading for her safe return.

For the family of Skylee Merino, the uncertainty has been overwhelming as they continue searching for answers.

“You never expect something like this to happen to anyone,” said family friend Mary Delgado.

Delgado said Skylee was last seen around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Cypress Commons Plaza off South Gate Boulevard in Tamarac.

“It’s something that is breaking all of us because we have no response or anything,” Delgado said.

A missing teen flyer posted in the area states Skylee was with a man she met on Snapchat. Family members said she later asked friends for a ride that morning, but they were unable to pick her up, and she has not been heard from since.

“Not even her friends know who this guy is because he says don’t follow me on social media,” Delgado said. “So nobody knows anything.”

Delgado said the family has notified both Coral Springs and Tamarac police. Skylee’s sister, who lives out of state, has also launched a social media campaign to help spread awareness.

As the search continues, loved ones say they are holding onto hope the 15-year-old will return home safely.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says she is believed to be in the Coral Springs and Tamarac area.

Coral Springs police said they have not received any information indicating Skylee is in danger.

Anyone with information is urged to contact them at 954-344-1800.

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