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Teen rescued from muddy marsh after hours-long search in Oakland County

First responders got to teen by boat and brought him safely to shore

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The Oakland County First Responders have rescued a missing teen with autism.

The 14-year-old Farmington Hills teenager went missing Tuesday (Aug. 20) while camping with his church group at Proud Lake State Recreation Area.

Officials say he was hiking on a trail with other members of the group and a chaperon when, at about 4 p.m., he ran away into a wooded area and disappeared from the group.

“We scrambled our resources, including our search and rescue, our marine division, and our helicopter, among other assets, and after a number of hours, we actually found him from the helicopter about 1.3 miles away from where he had become separated from the group,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

The teen was unable to get out on his own.

“He was completely stuck in a marshy, up to the waist, muddy, water-filled area,” Bouchard said.

First responders got to the teen by boat and brought him safely to shore.

Bouchard said he was grateful they spotted him before it was too late.

“It’s like finding gold,” Bouchard said. “You see this young kid that you’re looking for, and they’re still alive.”

The teen was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a few scrapes and bruises.


About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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