A father’s unwavering determination led to a heartwarming reunion after his daughter was abducted. For six long years, he tirelessly searched and prayed for her safe return, never losing faith despite the passage of time.
Every parent’s worst nightmare is losing their child, and for this father, that fear became a painful reality. When Kayla Unbehaun went missing in 2017, her father, Ryan Iskerka, clung to hope, believing that one day he would see his little girl again. Despite having no contact with her and no assurance of her well-being, Ryan regularly posted on social media, expressing how much he missed her.
On January 5, 2023, Ryan wrote a heartfelt birthday message to Kayla, who had turned 15. He shared his constant thoughts of her, hoping she was safe and happy, and yearning for the day they would be reunited.
Kayla’s disappearance stemmed from a bitter custody battle between Ryan and her mother, Heather Unbehaun. Although they were initially granted shared custody, tensions escalated when Heather moved to Georgia without informing Ryan. When Ryan pursued legal action for visitation rights, Heather saw it as a threat and eventually abducted Kayla.
For years, Ryan held onto the hope of finding his daughter, despite the immense heartache and uncertainty. Then, in May 2023, a breakthrough occurred. A store clerk in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized Kayla from a feature on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries” and alerted the authorities. This tip led to Heather’s arrest and Kayla’s safe return.
The reunion was a dream come true for Ryan, who expressed immense gratitude to everyone who helped keep the case alive. However, he acknowledged the emotional toll the years of separation had taken and asked for privacy as he and Kayla began the process of rebuilding their relationship. Despite the challenges ahead, Ryan remains committed to never losing his daughter again.