Authorities in Victoria, Australia, are intensifying efforts to locate a missing 17-year-old boy with autism, named William, who disappeared during a camping trip. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, has been vocal about her heartbreak, describing the missing person situation as one of her “worst nightmares.” William was last seen on Friday, November 6, in Walhalla, a rural area roughly 115 miles from Melbourne, where he had gone camping with a friend.
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According to police reports, William, also referred to as Will, was initially camping with another boy when he wandered off a short distance to another section of their camp at approximately 4 p.m. local time. After he did not return, his camping companion embarked on a search of the vicinity but was unable to locate him. Authorities have indicated their belief that William, who has Level 2 autism, might have become disoriented in the unfamiliar terrain.
Barkley expressed her fears for her son’s safety, stating, “At the moment, he’d probably be very stressed and panicking.” This sentiment is compounded by the fact that William lacks camping experience, raising concerns about his ability to navigate the wilderness alone. The family has shared their worries about his physical state, noting that he is 6-foot-2 and in good shape, which could lead him to cover substantial ground since going missing.
On Sunday, November 8, police confirmed they had discovered a cooler belonging to William containing food and water, yet there was still no sign of his whereabouts. “I just don’t know what’s happened… we’ve found the esky [cooler], but there’s just no sign of him. It’s like he’s just vanished,” Barkley lamented. The search area has faced low temperatures, dropping close to 36 degrees Fahrenheit at night, which adds to the urgency for William’s safe return.
Police officials have reported that William was last seen wearing shorts and work boots, and his mobile phone was left at the campsite. Barkley expressed her deep concern for her son’s wellbeing. “I’m just really worried. He has been out there for two days. He is probably cold and hungry,” she said. She remains hopeful that her son might be sheltered somewhere, even contemplating the possibility that he could be sleeping, as “he is a deep sleeper.”
In response to the disappearance, Acting Superintendent Melanie Hamshere has revealed that around 65 to 70 individuals are currently engaged in search operations for William. Police have also reached out for assistance from the public, particularly a couple who helped William’s friend during the initial search efforts. Hamshere stated, “We’re certainly concerned for Will’s safety,” and acknowledged the challenges posed by the cold weather and William’s lack of warm clothing.
As the search continues, Barkley is asking anyone who may have encounterd William or found camping gear in the area, such as a blue or black pillow, a table, or a tackle box, to contact the authorities. “You see these things on the news that happen to other people, and you just don’t think it is going to happen to you until it does,” she remarked. Her voice quavers with worry about her son’s condition, echoing a universal parental plea: “I just want him back home.”
The search for William is vital not only to bring him back to his family but also emphasises the importance of community support during such distressing times. As the investigation unfolds, Barkley remains hopeful and determined, wishing for the swift and safe return of her son. The community’s involvement, and a collective effort to spread awareness, may prove crucial in locating William during this difficult time.
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