24.2 C
Accra
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
WorldBoy with autism found after Australian mountain ordeal

Date:

Boy with autism found after Australian mountain ordeal

An Australian boy who was missing for two nights on a mountainside in near-freezing conditions has been found safe and well, police say.

William Callaghan, a 14-year-old with non-verbal autism, became lost during a family walk at Mount Disappointment, in Victoria, on Monday.

His family had raised concerns that his inability to verbally communicate may hinder search efforts.

He was found on Wednesday near the peak of the mountain.

Rescuers said William had been located about 10 minutes off a bush track – he did not have his shoes but was wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hooded sweatshirt.

It was not yet known if William had access to food, water or shelter on the mountain, located 80km (50 miles) north of Melbourne. Temperatures had neared 0C in the past two nights.

He appeared to be “remarkably well for the time that he’s been out there”, said Insp Christine Lalor of Victoria Police.

She told reporters he had been taken to hospital for monitoring, adding: “He’s alert, warm, eating and drinking and he actually asked for McDonald’s.”

William’s mother, Penny Callaghan, thanked volunteer rescuers and police.

“I can’t imagine what he’s been feeling and going through and I’m just so grateful and so relieved,” she told reporters.

Police had asked locals to lay out feta cheese, peanut butter and other condiments in a bid to attract his attention. They were also encouraged to play the Thomas the Tank Engine theme.

An autism advocacy organisation praised authorities for adapting their search.

“We really need to adapt ourselves to the needs of autistic people rather than expecting them to behave as we do, or as neuro-typical people do,” Amaze chief executive Fiona Sharkey told the ABC.

Source: bbc.com

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...