Mint Butterfield, a 16-year-old who uses they/them pronouns, was found safe by California police after going missing for a week. Their parents, Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake, cofounders of major tech companies Flickr and Slack, were relieved to have their child back home. The teenager’s stepfather, Jyri Engestrom, is also a tech founder, further solidifying the family’s ties to the industry.
Mint’s disappearance was a cause for concern due to a past suicide attempt, leading law enforcement to classify them as a “voluntary-missing juvenile” at risk. Despite taking a suitcase and leaving a note, Mint did not have access to a car or a phone during their absence.
In a statement released by the family, they expressed their gratitude for the support and assistance received from family, friends, volunteers, and strangers that helped in locating Mint. The collaborative effort ultimately led to Mint’s safe return, bringing relief to all involved.
