Missing 7 yo boy in WI (has autism)

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Registered: 03-20-2003
Missing 7 yo boy in WI (has autism)
11
Sat, 06-16-2007 - 10:43pm
Search for missing boy continues

By Jeff Williams and Karen Madden
and Karen Madden
Daily Tribune Staff


SARATOGA -- As the hours became days in the disappearance of a Saratoga boy, officials held onto hope that they would find the 7-year-old.


Nekoosa Fire Chief Ken Hartje told searchers to go home and get some rest Friday night because, "tomorrow is not going to be any easier." He explained the boy's condition was likely getting worse as time progressed; he was going to ask even more of the workers and volunteers today.


About 6:38 p.m. Thursday, the Heil family noticed Benjy Heil, who has autism, was missing after apparently wandering from home. His disappearance has triggered a massive search that includes rescue teams from about 30 municipalities, aircraft, dog teams from three states and hundreds of volunteers.


Each family member is coping differently, said Lena Heil, Benjy's sister.


"My mom is doing pretty bad," she said "We are trusting God."


Medical officials have told Hartje the boy should have been in good health Friday, but that could change.


Investigators met with the family Friday morning, Hartje said, and have looked into every available lead. They don't think foul play was involved.


"This is not a criminal investigation," Wood County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Shawn Becker said.


Some of the more than 375 volunteers poured into the command center at 14014 Highway Z in Saratoga as the search ended with Friday's sunset. Overnight, dog crews were expected to continue the search along with two aircraft that would use thermal imaging and night vision.


The boy's disability could be hampering the search: Officials don't think he will respond to his name.


Benjy's siblings, Mandy Heil, 22, Justin Heil, 21, Katie Casper, 19, Lena Heil, 17, Micah Heil, 15, Elisha Heil, 11, and Nathanael Heil, 9, waited with their parents, Rick and Cindy, in their white house across the street from the Wood County Sheriff's Department mobile command center Friday.


What started as a half-mile radius search Thursday night broadened to a five-mile radius Friday as teams of volunteers and rescue personnel walked 10 to 15 feet apart through briars and forests and wetlands.


Saturday's search efforts will include more boats and volunteers, Becker said.


The outpouring of support for the family and searchers has led to cases upon cases of water. Food is everywhere.


"It is above and beyond what we could have dreamed of," said Sue Weimer, director of the Wood County chapter of the American Red Cross. The organization, along with The Salvation Army, is supporting the family and the search effort.


The water was a welcome for searchers, as temperatures reached the high 80s and low 90s. Hartje said about six people were treated for dehydration or exhaustion Friday.


He expects more work Saturday.


"I need a prayer for Benjy tonight," Hartje said.

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/WRT0101/706160467/1982


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Thu, 06-21-2007 - 10:16pm
Hi Deb,
I felt the same way, I have been scouring the news for information, I was rather miffed they didnt post more news about this. I had to really dig to find this article, I couldnt believe that it didnt get more press. I felt really crappy to be the one to post it, but I thought it best to get it out there what happened. I feel terrible too :(
Christine

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Christine

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