A six-year-old non-verbal autistic boy, Roman Heilman, was found alive Tuesday in the wooded mountains of Louisa, Kentucky, after a desperate three-day search. He had wandered from his family home on Sunday afternoon, November 1.
Roman was discovered by a team of volunteers on horseback, a moment described as a "miracle" by rescue crews. He was found without clothing, exhibiting scratches believed to be from thorny plants. Previously, searchers had located his diaper, pants, and jacket from the day he went missing.
The extensive search effort involved dozens of first responders and community members. Jacob Mullins, a horse trail rider from Louisiana, and Patrick Finley, a welder from West Virginia, were part of the team that located Roman approximately a mile and a half from his home. Mullins reported that the boy emerged from bushes speaking and was found with a small dog.
"He came out of the bushes saying 'E-I-E-I-O horsey.' He just walked right out of the bushes over onto a horse trail," Mullins told the Lexington Herald-Leader. He added that they provided Roman with water and snacks before carrying him on horseback down the mountain.
An IAN Alert, a system used for missing children with autism or mental illness who may be in danger, was issued shortly after his family alerted authorities. Lawrence County School, along with K9 Search & Rescue Services of West Virginia Inc., praised the community's efforts.
"What was witnessed the last two days was nonstop caring and a true miracle," K9 Search & Rescue Services of West Virginia Inc. stated. "Great things happen when people come together."
Roman was reportedly in good spirits when found, though a little dehydrated. He was handed over to medical professionals and transported by ambulance. The search operation involved law enforcement, fire department drone operators, and helicopter pilots, alongside the dedicated equine search team.