> At a Glance
> – 16-year-old Mackenzie Dalton vanished from her Lexington home in late November 2025
> – Her car and suitcase were found empty, prompting an “endangered” alert
> – Deputies believe she is traveling with a man she knows
> – Why it matters: A six-week disappearance with recovered belongings raises safety concerns and police need public tips
Mackenzie Dalton’s case shifted from a typical runaway report to an endangered-person search after deputies recovered the vehicle and luggage she left behind in November 2025.
What Happened
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office says Dalton, 5’4″ and 118 pounds with blonde-highlighted hair, left her South Carolina home in late November and has not been seen since. On January 2, investigators revealed that the car she drove away in and the suitcase she packed were both found without her, prompting the upgraded classification.
- Car recovered: location not specified
- Suitcase recovered: contents not disclosed
- Last known contact: late November 2025
Investigators’ Lead
Authorities have released only one detail about a possible companion: they believe the teen is “traveling with a man she knows.” No description, name, or relationship of the man has been provided.
| Status | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 16 |
| Height | 5’4″ |
| Weight | 118 lbs |
| Hair | Blonde with highlights |
| Last seen | Late November 2025 |
Key Takeaways
- Dalton has been gone more than six weeks
- Her car and suitcase are back in deputies’ hands
- Deputies think she is with an unidentified male acquaintance
- Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via the mobile app or by calling 888-274-6372
Tips from the public could help locate the missing teen and determine whether she is safe.
