VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Family and friends of 52-year-old Carina Leach say they're worried for her wellbeing after she didn't show up for work Wednesday morning.
Virginia Beach police say a search is underway for the missing mom.
Police say Leach was last seen when she got off work at W.T. Cooke Elementary School around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Two hours later, she spoke to a family member on the phone, but no one has heard from her since.
Leach's husband told 13News Now on Friday if there is one message he can share to his wife, it's "come home to your son."
“The not knowing where she is is very difficult for all of us," said WendySue Clausson, a friend and coworker of Leach.
Clausson told 13News Now that she’s worked with Leach at the elementary school for roughly a decade. She said Leach works as a cafeteria assistant and that she always has a smile on her face.
“She’s like, you know, the light of the cafeteria. She’s always just willing to go the extra mile," Clausson said.
Carina Leach
Leach has a husband and teenage son. She lives near the Resort Area of the Oceanfront. So far, detectives say they haven't been able to find anything on local surveillance cameras.
Clausson said she’s had a pit in her stomach since she learned about her friend’s disappearance.
“We need her. She’s just so important to us at school and us personally, the people who really know her. I just want her to be okay. I want her to be safe, and like I said, come back to us," Clausson said.
Family and friends are pleading with the public to keep an eye out for Carina Leach.
“We’re all just praying for her and hoping for her safe return," Clausson said.
Anyone with information about Leach's whereabouts is urged to call VBPD Missing Person detectives at 757-385-4101.