A 17-year-old boy with autism has been found alive after six days lost in dense bushland near Walhalla East in Victoria, Australia. William, whose surname has not been disclosed, was located by a police helicopter on Thursday morning and reunited with his family.
Police confirmed William was in good spirits and mostly in good health after being winched to safety from a creek bed in the rugged terrain. Authorities had launched an extensive search involving helicopters, police dogs, and divers following his disappearance on Friday, November 6, while he was camping with a friend.
William was last seen wearing only shorts and work boots, having left his phone, food, and water at the campsite. The search was complicated by overnight temperatures as low as 3°C in the alpine region. His friend raised the alarm after William failed to return, and police located his fishing tackle box approximately 2km east of Stoney Creek before rescuing him.
Rescue and Reunion
Emergency services winched William to safety after spotting him lying shirtless and sunburned on a flat rock near a creek. Video footage from the rescue helicopter showed him covering himself with a blanket before realizing he was being rescued. He initially appeared fatigued but waved and fist-pumped in relief upon recognizing the helicopter.
William was transported to a hospital for monitoring but was described as fit and healthy with only minor scratches. His mother, Elizabeth, who had been notified of his rescue, expressed overwhelming relief. "I'm just over the moon that he's alive," she told reporters. "He's doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he's in perfect health."
Autism and Search Challenges
William has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support according to Autism360. Authorities noted that disruptions to routine can cause significant distress for individuals with such needs. The search team emphasized the challenges posed by the terrain and weather conditions, which included frigid overnight temperatures.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow described the rescue as emotionally significant for the officers involved. "It doesn't happen all the time," he said. "I'm sure he's got a story to tell us soon, which we're very keen to hear."
Family and Community Response
William’s family and community celebrated the positive outcome, though his mother jokingly declared he would be "grounded for life" and "never leaving the house again." The rescue operation involved over 100 personnel, including police divers, sniffer dogs, and multiple aircraft.
William’s survival in the wilderness, despite minimal supplies, has drawn attention to his resilience and the effectiveness of the search efforts. Authorities have not yet released details about his actions during the six days missing, stating they are eager to hear his account.