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Police; Missing Autistic Boy Not Likely in River
Associated Press
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) -- The search for an autistic boy entered its fourth day Monday as authorities said it's unlikely they'll find the 7-year-old in a river near where he went missing.

Dog teams swept through the Wisconsin River area Sunday night but found no trace of the boy's scent, said Nekoosa Fire Chief Ken Hartje.

"We have combed the search area and recombed and recombed it some more," Hartje said.

Benjamin "Benjy" Heil had been playing in the basement of his home in the Wood County town of Saratoga on Thursday when his family realized he was gone and called authorities.

Hundreds of volunteers and rescue personnel braved weekend rain and humidity to join the search for the boy, who has been known not to respond when his name is called. Searchers used horse-mounted trackers, aircraft and boats, while a team of divers scoured the river that sits about 400 yards from the home.

Area residents have been asked to repeatedly check their homes, vehicles and anywhere else the child might seek shelter or food.

"He's very resourceful as far as getting food," said Jay Shroda, a Sheriff's Department investigator. "If he's hungry, thirsty, he will seek out water."

Hartje said medical officials have told him that if Benjy finds water, he can survive in the elements for more than two weeks.

The fire chief pleaded for residents to join the search, noting that some weekend volunteers had to return to work Monday.

"I could use all the volunteers that are willing to come," he said.

The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing food and drinks for searchers.

Janet Keyzer, a former neighbor of the Heils, said she was still hopeful that Benjy would be found.

"I've talked to hundreds of people. None of us whatsoever have begun to give up, yet. Never," said Keyzer, of Nekoosa. "The mood when you're going out is so pumped. Coming back you just feel like you let him down."

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/8054152.html

Hundreds continue search for missing Wisconsin Rapids boy
Wheeler News Service
Published Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Hundreds of volunteers will keep looking today for Benjy Heil, 7, an autistic boy who’s missing from his home near Wisconsin Rapids.

Volunteers and authorities have worked non-stop to try and find Benjy, who vanished last Thursday night.

But with a storm approaching Monday, the daylight portion of the search was cut short at mid-afternoon.

The Red Cross is feeding up to 600 volunteers a day. They’re asking for help to keep providing services, along with the Salvation Army.

A three-mile radius of the Heil residence has been checked more than once.

Authorities have ruled out the possibility that Benjy got lost in the Wisconsin River, about 400 yards from his home.

David Laude, Wood County sheriff’s lieutenant, asked volunteers to consider the sources of rumors that have popped up and if one sounds credible they should tell officers about it.

Searchers have heard crying but it apparently came from horses used in the effort. Also, footprints have been found that were made by someone other than the missing boy.

http://tinyurl.com/2f6hke

I just pray that this little guy wandered off (with no lurkers following).

Poor little boy. He must be scared and confused, and being unable to communicate only makes his situation worse.
I'm praying that they find him.

Missing Wisconsin Boy Found Dead in Pond
June 19, 2007 10:40 PM EST

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2007 – A 7-year-old Wood County, Wis., boy who'd been reported missing since June 14 has been found dead, a Wisconsin official said today.

Benjamin Heil was the subject of a massive search conducted over the past several days by state and local officials, including Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard helicopters.

Heil's body was discovered by search dogs late this morning in a small pond located not far from his home in Saratoga, Wis., said Keith Tveit, fire service coordinator for the state of Wisconsin's emergency management office.

The outcome of the search for the boy "was not what we were looking for," Tveit said.

Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters had flown daytime search missions June 15, 16 and 17, and during several hours yesterday, Wisconsin National Guard spokeswoman Jackie Guthrie said during a phone interview with American Forces Press Service earlier today.

The Michigan National Guard provided an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter to search at night, Guthrie said.

A canine search dog took his handler to the pond where Heil was found, Tveit said.

"It was very emotional" when news reached the searchers that Heil's body had been discovered, Tveit said.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, Tveit said.

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/26060.html

How sad.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. :(

Poor little guy. I'm really sad he didn't make it out somehow. May God rest his soul, and comfort his family.