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Autistic Teen Rescued After Six Days Lost in Outback
13 Nov
Summary
- A 17-year-old boy with autism was found after six days missing.
- He survived on chips and stream water in rural Australia.
- A police helicopter spotted him near a creek during a search.
A 17-year-old boy with autism, William, has been safely located after disappearing for six days during a camping trip in Walhalla, Australia. He was found on Thursday, November 12, by a police helicopter near a creek, marking the end of a challenging search.
William had been camping with a friend and went missing on Friday, November 6. He survived on a packet of chips and water from a nearby stream. Police reported that he was in good spirits and health after his rescue, though he was taken to the hospital for observation.
His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, expressed profound relief, describing her son's survival as a miracle. William had previously overcome meningococcal disease as an infant, an experience that fueled her hope during the stressful week he was lost.
The teenager reportedly became disoriented and fell down a slope, becoming stuck and unable to move due to sore legs. He used towels for warmth and drank stream water while waiting to be found.
