Teen Found Alive Days After Disappearing Now Fighting for His Life
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A heart-wrenching tale of a 13-year-old boy, Dakota “Cody” Trenkle Jr., who went missing while skateboarding in Goose Creek Lake, Missouri, has gripped the nation. The young boy was found alive at the bottom of a ravine after surviving for several days without food or water, and is now battling for his life in critical condition. His devoted mother, Stephanie Neely, has been by his bedside throughout this traumatic ordeal, providing unwavering support and care.
The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office reported that Dakota disappeared on Sunday, July 27, sparking a desperate search effort. Despite initial delays in launching a search, volunteers, including Dakota’s sister, Brittney Van Volkenburg, worked tirelessly to locate the missing teenager. The community rallied together, with volunteers using drones and search dogs to comb the area for any sign of Dakota.
After days of uncertainty, hope was reignited when Dakota’s abandoned skateboard was discovered near his home. This discovery prompted a renewed search effort, leading to the deployment of the Farmington Correctional Center’s K-9 unit. Thankfully, with the help of a bloodhound named Darrell, Dakota was located at the bottom of a ravine, where he was found lying in shallow water, miles away from his skateboard.
Dakota was swiftly airlifted to a St. Louis hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma due to severe head trauma, including multiple brain bleeds. Despite the challenging circumstances, his mother reveals that the shaded area and water in which he was found played a crucial role in his survival, helping to regulate his body temperature and provide some hydration.
However, Dakota’s battle for survival is far from over. His mother shares the heartbreaking reality of his condition, highlighting the critical nature of his injuries. As of the latest update, Dakota remains in a precarious state, with his kidneys showing signs of weakness and additional complications arising from his injuries. The family faces an uphill struggle as they fight to stabilise Dakota and facilitate his recovery.
In a show of solidarity and support, Stephanie Neely has established a Facebook group, “Dakota Strong,” to keep the community informed and engaged during this challenging time. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family with unexpected medical expenses, demonstrating the outpouring of kindness and generosity from well-wishers.
As the community rallies around Dakota and his family, the harrowing journey towards recovery continues. Each small step forward is met with setbacks, underscoring the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. The unwavering dedication of Stephanie Neely and the collective support of volunteers serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity, uniting individuals in a common cause of compassion and solidarity. Dakota’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in community and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.