A Muddy Footprint Leads Rescuers to 6-Year-Old Missing for Two Days in Kentucky
A search across wooded terrain
Kentucky State Police confirmed on Wednesday that Heilman had been found after an IAN Alert was issued. Reports said he had walked away from his parents’ home. Lawrence County emergency management director Travis Hughes told CBS News that more than 300 volunteers searched the woods near the city. Teams moved on foot and horseback, while some volunteers sang one of Heilman’s favorite songs, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Horse teams covered miles
Hughes said a group of about 10 people rode through the woods before daylight. Their horses covered more than 14 miles as they searched for the boy. He said officials knew Heilman was without clothes and that rainy weather was approaching. Horseback teams joined ground searchers, while organizers asked some additional volunteers to wait as they coordinated the resources already available.
Boy found with his dog
Hughes told CBS News that Heilman and his dog emerged from the brush. The boy was naked and had scratches; reports said he was believed to have disappeared with the dog. As of November 4, officials told CBS News, Heilman was in a local hospital recovering from dehydration.
Key points
- A muddy footprint helped lead rescuers to Roman Heilman after two days missing.
- More than 300 volunteers searched wooded terrain near the city.
- Horseback teams rode more than 14 miles through the woods.
- Heilman was found with his dog and was hospitalized for dehydration.