10 years later, family holds out hope for missing daughter

WINTER HAVEN (FOX 13) - For 10 years, a Winter Haven family has lived with the pain of not knowing what happened to their daughter.

Nadia Kersh disappeared in Homewood, Alabama on November 3, 2008. Police found her car, but no one has seen or heard from her since that night. It’s a date her parents will never forget.

“Even today, you know 10 years later, it’s still difficult to talk about,” said Nancy Kersh, Nadia’s mother. “Nadia was sweet and fun loving. She was the kind of girl who could light up any room.”

Nadia’s parents, Nancy and Kevin Kersh, chose to mark the 10th anniversary of her disappearance in Winter Haven — a place Nadia enjoyed as she grew up. They held a memorial service Monday filled with messages of hope and faith. After Nadia went missing, the community here became something else for her parents.

“This became our refuge, a place where we felt safe and protected. And so to be able to share this time with them, it’s just incredible,” said Kevin Kersh.

The Kersh family hopes this year will bring something new.

“I can’t say with any certainty that she has passed on. I think there’s always that possibility that she may be held captive somewhere,” said Nancy.

Despite years of not knowing what happened to their daughter, one message is clear. 

“There certainly were times along that path that Nancy and I didn’t think that we would make it. So, I guess the message I would give is that there is hope. There is faith,” said Kevin, about the loss of their daughter.

“We would want her to know your mom and your pop, we’re still looking for you,” added Nancy.

The Kersh family said the message of faith and hope will continue to carry them while they search for answers. They hope that anyone with information about her disappearance calls Alabama Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.