Teenager with Autism Rescued After Six Days Lost in Australian Woodlands
A 17-year-old boy with autism, identified only as William, was found alive on Thursday after being lost for six days in eastern Australian woodlands near Walhalla, 185 kilometers (115 miles) east of Melbourne. William had gone camping with a friend last Friday and disappeared after walking a short distance from their campsite to collect more equipment. He trekked through very steep terrain for days and spent the last two days trapped by the steepness of a creek, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from his campsite. An extensive police search, involving over 100 emergency services personnel and volunteers, located him. A police helicopter crew found him asleep on a flat rock beside a creek. He was shirtless and sunburned but in good spirits and mostly good health when rescued. William's family stated he has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support and means disruption can cause significant distress.
