Police in eastern Australia announced Thursday that a 17‑year‑old boy with autism was rescued after being missing for nearly a week in the woodlands near the historic gold‑mining town of Walhalla, about 115 miles east of Melbourne.
Search effort and rescue
The teenager, identified only as William, had set out on a weekend camping trip with a friend on Friday. After dropping off his friend, William walked a short distance to collect additional gear and never returned. When he failed to rejoin his companion, his mother, Elizabeth, reported him missing.
Authorities launched an extensive search involving more than 100 emergency‑service personnel and volunteers. A police helicopter crew eventually located William asleep on a flat rock beside a creek, surrounded by steep terrain. Video from the rescue helicopter showed him shirtless, sunburned, wearing only shorts and boots, and using towels as blankets.
“He woke up to the sound of the helicopter, gave them a thumbs up, and they winched him to safety,” Acting Police Inspector Jason Benbow told reporters.
Condition and family response
Police said William was in good spirits and generally in good health when rescued. He was later taken to a hospital for monitoring. “I’m just over the moon that he’s alive,” his mother said, adding a light‑hearted comment that he will “never leave the house again” and is “grounded for life.” The Associated Press chose not to disclose the family’s surname to protect the teen’s privacy.
William’s family has disclosed that he has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support. According to Australian advocacy group Autism360, individuals with this level may experience marked deficits in verbal and non‑verbal social communication and rely heavily on routines; disruptions can cause significant distress.
Environment and search conditions
The alpine region where William was lost experienced mild spring weather and little rain during the week of his disappearance, which likely contributed to the challenging terrain but did not impede the aerial search. Inspector Benbow noted that William trekked up and down very steep terrain for days before being found about 1.2 miles from his original campsite.
The successful rescue underscores the dedication of Australian emergency services and community volunteers when responding to missing‑person cases, especially those involving vulnerable individuals.
Community impact
Local residents expressed relief and gratitude for the swift response. The incident highlights the importance of thorough preparation and supervision for youth outings, particularly for those with special needs, and serves as a reminder of the community’s role in supporting families during crises.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
