Shortly after Russell’s return, family members and friends took to social media to share their relief, while asking for privacy during this time. This includes Russell’s boyfriend Thomar Simmons, who thanked those who helped in the search to find his girlfriend on social media.
“All I asked from everyone right now is to be respectful of Carlee’s situation,” he wrote in a post shared to Instagram. “She was literally fighting for her life for 48 hours, so until she’s physically & mentally stable again she is not able to give any updates or whereabouts on her kidnapper at this very moment.”
Simmons concluded his note with gratitude, writing, “Once again I can’t thank you guys enough for helping us bring Carlee home! God bless you all.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
(E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
