A child, 4 years old, was found safe following approximately 24 hours spent unaccompanied in the California wilderness.
Search and Rescue team members discovered Christian Ramirez around 8 a.m. on Friday, roughly a quarter mile from where he went missing the day prior, as indicated by CNN affiliate KFSN. The team found Christian resting under a tree, according to the report.
Lt. Brandon Pursell of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office stated, "We're bloody lucky this morning. As the searchers were shouting for the kid, he replied back."
The youngster was exhausted and starving but in good health, the sheriff's office reported. He has now been reunited with his parents.
Pursell told CNN affiliate KABC that the boy was found in a forested area and "it was bloody obvious that he had been lost and he had basically hidden out for the entire night." The three-foot-tall, 40-pound child ventured into the woods at night wearing only a t-shirt and shorts, according to KFSN.
Pursell warned about the potential dangers in the area, stating, "Huntington is famed for bears. There's a possibility of big cats lurking around too. We've got snakes. There's plenty of little perils up there - slip-and-fall risks and waterways."
The family reported their son missing from their campsite at the Rancheria Campground in Huntington Lake around 11 a.m. Thursday.
Pursell explained, "He just vanished in less than five minutes."
At this point, the Search and Rescue team, Air Support Unit, Forest Service rangers, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers launched a search in the northeastern area of Huntington Lake.
Teams of dogs, helicopters, and nearly 70 rescuers spent the night looking for Christian, as reported by KFSN.
The sheriff's office praised the collective effort, stating, "This was an outstanding display of teamwork and dedication. Over 50 deputies and volunteers took part in the search, working tirelessly throughout the night. This included members of other law enforcement agencies who assisted us."
The sheriff's office also thanked the community for their assistance in rescuing Christian and returning him safely home.
"Numerous individuals offered to participate in the search, kept a sharp eye out, spread the word on social media, and sent up prayers. All of this undoubtedly aided in bringing Christian home safely," the office said.
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Despite the challenges and potential dangers, the US parents of the missing child were relieved when they were informed about his safe return. With the collective effort of the Search and Rescue team, Air Support Unit, Forest Service rangers, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the community came together to help find and bring their son back home.
