Horseback Volunteers Find Missing Kentucky Boy Alive

Roman Heilman disappeared from near his family’s home in Louisa, Kentucky, on the afternoon of November 1. Kentucky State Police said he was believed to have wandered away from his parents. An alert was issued because he was a child with autism who could be at risk while missing.

On November 3, a group of horse riders searching in wooded, mountainous terrain found Roman about a mile and a half from home. He emerged from bushes onto a trail with a small dog and called out about a horse, according to one of the volunteers, Jacob Mullins.

Mullins said about 10 riders had covered more than 14 miles on horseback. The boy had scratches and was without clothes. Searchers gave him water and food, wrapped him in a sweatshirt and carried him down the mountain on a horse. Mullins said Roman was in good condition, though slightly dehydrated, when he was handed over to medical professionals.

The search involved hundreds of volunteers and first responders, as well as police, fire crews, drone operators and helicopter pilots. Searchers had earlier found the clothes Roman was wearing when he went missing. A West Virginia search-and-rescue group praised the community’s coordination and credited the horse team with helping bring the search to a successful end.

Lawrence County Schools also thanked residents who contributed time, supplies and other help. The rescue came after two nights in the wilderness, and Roman was found alive.