Searchers have found food belonging to a missing teenager at a campsite as police appeal for information from two Good Samaritans who stopped to help during the initial search.
William, 17, was camping with a friend at Walhalla East in eastern Victoria on Friday afternoon. He walked to another section of the campsite near Stoney Creek Road and T2 Track but did not return.
The teenager, who has level two autism and requires “substantial” support, was wearing only shorts and work boots. He had left his phone at the campsite.
Police have serious concerns for the Latrobe Valley teenager, who may have become disoriented and lost in the difficult terrain as weather conditions deteriorated over the weekend.
A major search operation was launched, involving dozens of police personnel and State Emergency Service volunteers.
William’s mother, Elizabeth Barkley, confirmed on Monday that a box of cereal and a packet of marshmallows found near the campsite belonged to her son.
Superintendent Melanie Hamshere said search teams were continuing to examine the area for clues about William’s whereabouts.
“We’re certainly concerned and we’ve got a number of resources looking for William because the longer he is out there, it makes it more difficult for him,” she said.
William disappeared while camping with a friend at Walhalla East (above) on Friday afternoon
William (above) walked to another part of the campsite near Stoney Creek Road and T2 Track but did not return
Searchers found a box of cereal and a packet of marshmallows belonging to William
William’s friend ran for help after the teenager failed to return to the campsite and managed to flag down the driver of a white ute.
Police are trying to locate the two travellers who stopped to assist.
“Police are hoping to speak to a male and a female who kindly stopped and assisted in the search for William on Friday and may be able to help with further information,” Victoria Police said.
“They were travelling on Stoney Creek Road sometime between 7.30pm and 8.30pm in an older white 4WD with a tray and dark-coloured canopy.”
Ms Barkley described her son’s disappearance as “one of her worst nightmares”.
She had dropped William and his friend off shortly before he went missing.
“It’s absolutely horrible, I’ve barely slept or eaten,” Ms Barkley said as she fought back tears.
“He would be so scared and he’s a mum’s boy, so he’ll be missing me a lot.”
William (above), who has autism, was on his first camping trip when he disappeared
His mother, Elizabeth Barkley (above), described her son’s disappearance as “one of her worst nightmares”
William was unfamiliar with the rugged terrain because it was his first camping trip.
It is understood that he set up camp with his friend before returning to the drop-off area to collect the remaining equipment, including an esky, when he disappeared.
“We found the esky, but just no sign of him … he’s just vanished,” Ms Barkley said.
“I’m just really worried. He has been out there for two days. He is probably cold and hungry.”
“You don’t know where he is, whether he is still alive or if he is okay. I just want him back home.”
“I just hope he is curled up somewhere and has gone to sleep. He is a deep sleeper.”
William is described as being 190cm tall with a thin build.
Anyone who sees William is urged to call Triple-0. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers.
