Autistic Australian teen rescued alive after six days in bushland

Rescue team spots teenager

Emergency AirWing crews spotted the seventeen-year-old lying in a dry creek bed while searching from the air. Officers winched him down to safety before bringing him back to reunite with his mother, Elizabeth. A video showed the boy smiling inside the helicopter wearing only shorts and workboots. He embraced his mother warmly after she told reporters he would never leave home again.

Missing details and timeline

William was dropped off by his mother on Friday to camp with a friend near Walhalla. Investigators believe he walked back to retrieve equipment before failing to return shortly after. He was last seen near Stoney Creek Road about four pm on 6 November. His mobile phone, food and water were left behind when he went missing in the dense bushland.

Search efforts and context

Rescue teams including a dog squad searched the area since last Friday after his friend found no trace. Police appealed to hunters and campers for information after finding a hunting camera in the search zone. The boy was taken to a hospital for monitoring once he reunited with his family. He appeared mostly in good health according to the police statement released on Thursday.