Challistia Colelay Obituary, Death – Authorities in Arizona are investigating the tragic death of a missing 16-year-old Indigenous girl, identified by multiple reports as Challistia Colelay, after her remains were discovered in the town of Whiteriver on the Fort Apache tribal lands.
According to the White Mountain Apache Police Department, the remains were located on November 3, leading to an immediate response from tribal and federal law enforcement. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services is now leading the case, which has officially been classified as a homicide investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed the circumstances that led investigators to determine foul play was involved but confirmed that the case remains a top priority.
Authorities completed family notification on November 4, confirming the identity of the remains as belonging to the teenager. The news brought immense sorrow to the tight-knit White Mountain Apache community, where family members, friends, and supporters have been mourning her loss and calling for justice.
A woman identifying herself as Colelay’s sister shared on a fundraising page that investigators visited the family to show them evidence collected from the scene, which included shoes, clothing, jewelry, and a cellphone. The family confirmed the items belonged to Challistia, providing painful closure to their days-long search for the missing teen.
“She was the youngest in our family and we all called her ‘Baby Girl’ or ‘Tia Girl,’” the sister wrote in a heartfelt message. “She had such a fun, loving spirit. Always joking, smiling, and bringing laughter wherever she went. She was full of life and loved being outdoors — painting, drawing, crafting, going camping, fishing, and driving along the back roads with family.”
The post described Colelay as a creative and free-spirited young woman who cherished time spent with loved ones and had a bright personality that touched everyone she met. “She was our baby, and her presence filled our home with warmth and laughter,” the message continued. “No words can describe the heartbreak we feel for our Tia Girl.”
The sister said the family created the GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for Colelay’s funeral expenses and to honor her memory. The effort has since drawn support from across the region, with many community members sharing messages of condolence and solidarity with the family.
Community leaders and residents of Whiteriver have expressed deep sadness and outrage over the loss, calling for continued attention to violence affecting Indigenous women and girls. Advocates have emphasized the need for justice in Colelay’s case and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The White Mountain Apache Police Department and federal investigators are continuing their work to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events leading to the teen’s death. As of now, authorities have not made any arrests or publicly identified suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials are encouraging members of the public who may have seen anything unusual in the area around the time of her disappearance to contact law enforcement. Information, they said, could be vital in bringing answers to Colelay’s family and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
As the community mourns, vigils and memorial gatherings are being planned to celebrate Challistia’s life. Many have taken to social media to share photos, memories, and prayers, reflecting the deep impact she had on those who knew her.
“She was loved by so many,” one post read. “Her smile and laughter will never be forgotten.”
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement agencies working together to bring justice to the family and closure to a grieving community. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the White Mountain Apache Police Department or the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.
