Missing Australian Teen Found Alive After Surviving Six Days on Chips

A 17-year-old autistic teenager who went missing for six days in a rugged, heavily forested mountainous region in southeastern Australia has been found alive. Police helicopter crews located the youth sleeping on a rock in a creek bed and hoisted him to safety.

The teenager, William, had set out on a camping trip with a friend in the state of Victoria, east of Melbourne, and disappeared the previous Friday. According to his family, he lives with autism that requires significant support. Police footage shows William shirtless, sunburned, and lying on a rock next to a pillow, a lunchbox, and a small table. Upon waking to the sound of the hovering helicopter, he smiled and waved at the crew. Another video captures his mother running toward the landed helicopter with open arms to embrace him.

According to police, William had strayed slightly from the campsite to retrieve additional gear and failed to return, leaving behind his phone, food, and water. For several days, he traversed steep and rocky terrain until falling down a slope into a creek bed two days prior to his rescue. Unable to climb out, he spent his time sleeping and waiting to be found. Australian media reports indicate that William used two towels as blankets and survived on a single large bag of chicken-flavored chips.

Upon discovery, he was exhausted, unable to walk, and suffering from leg cuts and severe sunburns on his face and upper body. "It is simply amazing how he survived for so long, through cold nights and hot days," said Inspector Jason Benbow. William was airlifted to a hospital accompanied by his mother for medical observation and is expected to be discharged as early as Friday.

Benbow noted that William "had no idea the police were looking for him." He added that the teenager was physically fit and healthy, expressing belief that he could have survived for a few more days.

"I knew in my heart he was still alive. I felt it," said his mother, Elizabeth. Following their reunion, she joked that he is grounded for life and will not be going camping again unless it is inside a cabin accompanied by her.