Police are searching for 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

Police in California are searching for a missing 9-year-old girl who they say hasn't been seen in at least a year.

Officials began looking for Melodee Buzzard on Oct. 14 after a school administrator alerted authorities about her "prolonged absence," the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Police said they have been unable to confirm any recent sightings of Buzzard, adding that "the last verified contact with her was approximately one year ago."

When authorities contacted Buzzard's mother, Ashlee Buzzard, at her home in Lompoc, her daughter was not there, and "no clear explanation was provided for her whereabouts," police said. Lompoc is on California's Central Coast, about 50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara.

USA TODAY has contacted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and Lompoc Unified School District for more information.

'The biggest smile': Family member says they haven't seen missing 9-year-old in years

Melodee Buzzard's aunt, Lizabeth Meza, told USA TODAY that the girl's father died several years ago in a motorcycle accident.

Meza, whose late husband was Buzzard's paternal uncle, said she hasn't seen her in four-and-a-half years. Buzzard's mother cut off contact with the rest of the family after the girl's father died, according to Meza.

Child welfare services have contacted Meza and her family about the case, but they have shared few updates because of the active investigation.

Buzzard was previously homeschooled, then enrolled in public school, but she hasn't attended this year, Meza said.

Meza said her niece has "the biggest smile" and loves to be around her family. The last time Meza saw her, Buzzard lit up when she heard her grandmother's voice.

"We just want to see her and to make sure she's OK," Meza said. "Everything else, the police can handle that. But we just want to see her and make sure she's OK. You know, that's all that matters."

Police ask for public's help in search for missing 9-year-old

Officials are asking anyone who may have seen or had contact with Melodee Buzzard in the last year to contact detectives.

"Even small details may be critical in helping investigators ensure her safety," the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 805-681-4150. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the tip line at 805-681-4171 or submit information online at SBSheriff.org.

This story has been updated with new information.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A 9-year-old girl hasn't been seen in a year. Police are now searching for her.

Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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