Help find Nikki.

Share Nikki’s family appeal

Put Nikki’s face in front of someone who may recognize her. Open the full-size family graphic or save it to your phone to share.

From Nikki’s family

The public preview image from her sister Tasha Hawthorn’s video, preserved as posted.

Download family graphic (JPG)Watch Tasha’s original video →

Recognize Nikki

Age at disappearance

34

Height / weight

5′9″ / approximately 155 lb

Hair / eyes

Brown hair / blue eyes

Identifying tattoos

“Jaden” and “Kaden” on her wrists

Reported clothing

T-shirt, dark blue jeans and gray sandals

Last known contact

July 23, 2026

Description: September 3 appeal. Last known contact: September 17 sheriff’s update.

The search timeline

1. July 23, 2026

   Last known contact

   Her mother, Janie Echols, said Nikki was experiencing a mental-health crisis. The family was trying to persuade her to seek hospital care when she put her belongings in her truck and left. The family says it has not seen her since. Family’s account

2. August 2026

   Report filed; vehicle located

   The sheriff’s office told KARK that a missing-person report was filed in August. Investigator Gavin Mason said deputies found Nikki’s vehicle at the intersection of Treece and Sledge Road in Jessieville on the day they received the report. It was searched and secured at the sheriff’s office. Vehicle-recovery report

3. September 3, 2026

   Public description released

   The public appeal identified the 200 block of Eleven Oaks Trail as the last-seen area and gave her clothing, height, weight and wrist tattoos. The family’s public video identifies the area as Mountain Pine, Arkansas. Initial appeal · Family video

4. September 17, 2026

   Sheriff’s office outlines its investigation

   The agency confirmed July 23 as the last known contact. It reported interviews, review of surveillance footage, searches with canine teams, a residence search and potential evidence submitted for forensic examination. It also reported reviewing financial records and contacting medical facilities, shelters and businesses. Investigation update

5. October 6, 2026

   Family renews its appeal

   In FOX16’s report, Nikki’s family was still seeking answers after more than 70 days. Her sister said reports of possible sightings had not resolved where she was. The family and community had conducted searches, and the sheriff’s department had used scent and cadaver dogs. Latest report cited

Why some notices have a different date: September 3 coverage listed July 13. The September 17 sheriff’s update and the family’s October report give July 23 as the last known contact. This page uses the later reporting.

Her family is asking us to help

Nikki is a mother of two. Her mother, Janie Echols, and sister, Tasha Hawthorn, are asking anyone who knows something to speak up.

“We love you, Nikki. We want you home.”

Tasha Hawthorn, in the October family appeal

The family’s public appeal number: 501-520-1332. Agency information: 501-622-3660. For an immediate sighting or emergency, call 911.

Keep Nikki visible.

Share this page so more people see her photograph and know where to send information.

ifvictimsdeservebetter.com/Nikki

Sources & updates

Expanded October 9, 2026. Latest news report cited: October 6, 2026. Family video and appeal graphic retrieved October 9.

• KARK / Nexstar, via AOL — family interview and vehicle-recovery detailsSeptember 17 locally; updated September 18 UTC. Includes investigator Gavin Mason’s account.
• FOX16 / Nexstar, via AOL — family’s continuing appealPublished October 6 locally; updated October 7 UTC.
• KATV — Garland County Sheriff’s Office investigation updateSeptember 17, 2026. Last known contact, investigative steps and agency contact.
• KATV — initial description and public appealSeptember 3, 2026. Description and tip line; its earlier date is clarified above.

This page shares a public missing-person appeal. For current case information or an urgent update, contact the investigating agency.