missing autistic boy in Wisconsin | Autism PDD
Thank you for all that great info Norway Mom! Mason has never wandered too much, but he is one of those kids that is fast and sneaky...I think he is playing in a certain spot and a minute later he is gone and I don't even realize he is gone...luckily he has not left the house yet...it's when he is outside that I worry.
I know my nephew who is autistic wanders off a lot....when he was really young he left the house and turned up about a mile from his house swimming in lake Michigan! It was so scary!!!! He has recently wandered off again...it was in the middle of the night and they found him swimming in the neighbor's swimming pool! I am definitely going to pass this info on to them! They have used alarms and special locks and he always manages to figure them out!
Thanks again!!
That's so terrible. I'm vacationing in Minnesota right now, and my son is close in age to this kid, so I can really relate. I hope Benjy turns up unharmed very very soon!
To everyone that's reading this, especially those dealing with elopement issues, I urge you to find out about Project Lifesaver, where kids get a tracking device that helps them get found quickly by the local police. I believe that the families pay a small monthly subscription but that the expensive technology is already paid for (since it's cheaper for the authorities than a full blown search and rescue operation).
You can read more about Project Lifesaver on this topic from our forum:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14754&am p;am p;am p;am p;KW=elopement
I've posted this before, but I'll say it again -- children with autism are actually 7 times more likely to have to deal with emergency officials than NT children. The FBI has developed guidelines for families and officials to deal with safety issues. Anyone interested can read more background on this here:
http://policeandautism.cjb.net/avoiding.html
The Autism Society of America's Philadelphia chapter has a helpful section on police and safety. This includes a form that parents can fill out and give to police, fire and ambulance personnel before an emergency situation arises. The information on the form is what the FBI recommends providing about people with autism.
http://www.asaphilly.org/policeandsafety.htm
This is what i found on it
NEKOOSA -- NEKOOSA -- The Wood County Sheriff's Department tells us a 7-year-old child is missing near Nekoosa.
Benjy Heil is an autistic child who wandered away from his Town of Saratoga home Thursday afternoon.
Search crews are searching in the area of Highway Z in the town of Saratoga.
Benjy may not respond to someone calling his name, but his family says if you tell him to "Come here" he will.
The search has centered on several areas, a campground near the family's home, a small creek and the Wisconsin River, which is about 400 yards from the family home.
The Spirit of Marshfield helicopter helped with the search until around 9pm Thursday night.
Other ground search crews have been working throughout the night to find Benjy.
Newsline 9 has a news crew at the scene and will have updates on our Friday newscasts.
Will be praying for his safe return. Keep us posted. God bless Benjy and his Mommy Cindy and all of their family and friends and the searchers and the police and the firemen...May Benjy come home safely and very soon!I just read this story too. I hope he is found safe & SOON.
Thanks NorwayMom for all that incredible info.Oh I so hope they find him safe and well. What a scary thing those parents must be gong through. Will be praying for his safety and that they find him soon
[QUOTE=Adamsmom]I will keep the family in my prayers. I live near Milwaukee, and I checked all the news websites and they don't have the story posted yet. [/QUOTE]
I'm also in the milwaukee area and havnt heard anything :( Some of my family members live up north close to there. I hope they find him :(
His family must be absolutely beside themselves with worry...prayers to both parents and his safe return.
Oh my.. I will pray for his returnHere is the link to the local newspapers website. You can get updates there. As of the time of this post, they are still looking.
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section? category=WRTnews
I'm praying for his safe, unharmed return and praying for peace for his family.
Karman
Here, too. I can't even imagine how frantic I would be.Thanks
I hope they find him soon! We're praying.
FYI - I pulled this off of the Amber Alert site.
What are the criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts?
Each state AMBER Alert plan has its own criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts. The PROTECT Act, passed in 2003, which established the role of AMBER Alert Coordinator within the Department of Justice, calls for the Department of Justice to issue minimum standards or guidelines for AMBER Alerts that states can adopt voluntarily. The Department's Guidance on Criteria for Issuing AMBER Alerts follows:
- Law enforcement must confirm that an abduction has taken place
- The child is at risk of serious injury or death
- There is sufficient descriptive information of child, captor or captor's vehicle to issue an Alert
- The child must be 17-years-old or younger
- It is recommended that immediate entry of AMBER Alert data be entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center. Text information describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the child should be entered, and the case flagged as Child Abduction.
Most state's guidelines adhere closely to the DOJ's recommended guidelines.
Chrmisha, your post was very interesting. Please consider doing what snoopywoman suggested and post it under its own topic.
Here's the latest update on Benjy. The good news is that they've found some footprints and a ball they think belongs to Benjy, about a mile from his house. They also have 9 new experts specializing in search and rescue on horseback.
I am leaving right now for Saratoga. Please keep his other siblings in your prayers too. They are hurting so bad. His one older brother is so cut up from running aimlessly through the woods looking for him. Thank you everyone for thinking of Benjy today... Let this be the day we get him home to his family!
Cathy in Medford
chrmisha
I think your suggestions are worthy of another thread. Why don't you start a new one and then we can all add to it? I for one keep checking this thread hoping someone will announce that they have found him!
I too live in Wisconsin and I've already done some things to help in an emergency, but I've learned more since this too. Please, if you have an autistic child, many of these steps are free and easy, or at least inexpensive.
1. Talk to your neighbors. Tell them you have an autistic child who may wander. Instruct them how to deal with your child if they see him or her.
2. Get a medic alert bracelet. Mine cost than (www.americanmedical-id.com) and on the front I wrote: Autism, May not speak or respond to very commands. On the back is his name, address, and phone number.
3. Fill out a Premise Alert form ( http://www.asaphilly.org/policeandsafety_files/premise%20ale rt%20request%20form.pdf) and file it with your police/fire/EMS/911 operators.
4. Talk to your police/fire/ems and see if they've had training in dealing with autistic persons. Encourage that they get some. Volunteer to do a presentation.
5. Put clingies/stickers on your child's bedroom window and car windows saying "Child with Autism" (good for EMTs and firefighters) (http://www.buttonsandmore.com/decal/ulthm.htm). This site has great awareness buttons, zipper pulls, awarness cards, etc.
6. Put a notice on the child's carseat that they have autism and include contact information (good if there's a car accident).
7. Carry a picture of your whole family (parents, autistic child, and siblings) in your wallet so that if your child is having a meltdown, you can prove that it is your child and you haven't abducted this child who is screaming and trying to get away from you.
8. See if your police department has Project Lifesaver (www.projectlifesaver.org) and, if not, encourage them to get it.
9. Consider a tracking system. I haven't found a GPS system small enough or affordable enough (they have monthly fees and can't be worn like a watch), but I'm sure the future holds it. I do like the IonKIDS system, 0, (http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/vbsik.html) because it's self contained and can be worn like a watch, but it has drawbacks too (it's not waterproof and it's hard to get on and off).
Please post your other suggestions. Nothing is fool proof of course, but the more we can do on the front end, the better our chances of finding our kids if something does happen.
My heart goes out to the Heil family.
Chris
oh this poor family! My hopes and prayers are there for you!
This is my worst nightmare, my son wanders too. The worst thing is the lack of response when calling him. I live on 100 acres and once I walked just metres past him in long grass and never heard a sound. My family are always checking on him and all worry that he'll wander onto the road. I can totally understand how Benjy's parents would be feeling.
Good luck to them and hoping to hear good news soon.
My name is Angela. I am new. I have a 4yr old autistic daughter. I called the sheriffs office about 4:30 Saturday. I understand they have not found him yet. I made a bulletin on myspace. Here is my address- http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user&MyToke n=520df09c-7284-4c24-80cc-9534d02ed375. I have a link to a well candle group for prayers.
Here is my bulletin -don't know if it will show up-never mind it doesn;t -You are laughing aren't you? Oh well
Here is some information from a local newspaper in the area:
Missing Autistic Boy in Wood County
Emergency crews, family and friends continue to comb the woods of Southern Wood County looking for seven-year-old Benjamin Heil.
Family members say Benjamin, who is autistic, went missing shortly after seven last night when he wandered away from home on County Road Z. That’s near the Deer Trail Park Campground outside of Nekoosa.
They've been searching for him throughout the night and they won't give up until he's brought home.
"It's scary for a seven-year-old boy to be missing anywhere," said a community member.
And when a seven-year-old goes missing near a campground, that's close to water, just before dark, it's even worse.
That's why the community is rallying together to help bring the boy called "Benjy" home.
They've set up a command center here on County Road Z where more than 100 came Thursday night to help search for Benjy.
"We have multiple agencies, fire agencies, been utilizing helicopters...ground searching, we have dogs," said David Laude, a Wood County Sheriff.
And they have the hope that someone will find Benjy in Wood County.
His family says he has blonde hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a blue "Buzz Lightyear" shirt and silver shorts and is barefoot.
Benjy is autistic, but they say he will respond to the command "come here."
If you see Benjy please call the Wood County Sheriff's Department at 715-421-8700.
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Thought you might like to see. I cannot sleep tonight. I hope they find him full of life soon. -Angela
Saying a prayer for Benjy
I so hope he is okay
the poor family and the poor child
Thanks for the info on Amber Alerts. I didn't understand what qualifications needed to be met. At dark tonight, still not a single sign of him. A five mile radius around his home has been combed. Tomorrow morning I am going back down for the day to help out. Seems the right thing to do. My son Jack has wandered twice in the last year, the last time was just a month ago. He was lost over an hour in the northwoods of WI. Jack has a tracking device through Project Lifesaver - a wristband that he wears and both times we found him very quickly, as soon as the equipment got to the point of origin.
This young boy has nothing like that. He is barefoot.
Thanks for your help.
Cathy in WI
Hello My name is Mark. I found this forum on google while serching for articles on this.
My Girlfriend and our German Shepherd "Gunther" are an operational K9 search and rescue unit from Illinois. She was called in on friday to assist in the search. She informed me this morning that they had a sighting of him , and he is on the move. This is making it difficult for the searchers and Search and rescue dogs to pinpoint his location. I have not heard from her in a while, but if I do before I have to leave the house I will post an update here for everyone.
These K9 search and rescue dogs and handlers are very good at what they do, and I have all the confidence they will find him
Keeping my fingers crossed!!
I've been refreshing news sites every ten minutes or so since Friday morning hoping for good news on this tragedy. This is so close to home because I am the father of a seven year old sandy-blode haired, blue eyed boy with autism. Earlier this spring, my wife walked into the living room to find our front window and screen open and Michael gone. He was only missing for about fifteen minutes (he was playing in the neighbor's backyard), but it gave me a small taste of what the Heils must be going through.
If they ever read this board, know that you are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.
Matt
F.Y.I
Memorial set for family of Saratoga boy
A memorial in the name of Benjy Heil has been established through the Bancroft State Bank. The was in the newspaper...... so you know it is not a scam...... here is the web page http://wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID= /20070620/WRT0101/70620096/1982
The money will go to the family of the 7-year-old Saratoga boy, whose body was found Tuesday around 11 a.m. in a pond near his house in Saratoga. Heil was reported missing Thursday.
Donations can be made out to the Benjy Heil Memorial Fund and sent to any of the five Bancroft State Bank locations in Kellner, Saratoga, Hancock, Bancroft or Plainfield. Donations can be mailed to Bancroft State Bank, 9031 Highway 13 S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. For more information, contact the Saratoga branch at 715-325-3000.
http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user&MyToke n=977baad9-ee65-4c05-b569-701887c2e307
You can also search Benjy Heil. Just trying to help not hurt anyone. Angela
This has troubled me so much since I first read about it. I hope that with all
the resources they now have in place, Benjy will be home soon. Praying for
the whole family.
Adding my prayers to everyone's for Benjy and his family. So scary. My DS often wants to get away too.
Concernedpa.
One more thing, Mark -- the other Newbie, I saw the k9 unit take over after our 3 1/2 hours in the woods... before I left for home the word was they were onto something. I hope your girlfriend lets you know if they truly were onto something or not. It's so hard to see anything, the land has partly been "controlled burned" and so it's brush and fall old trees all over.
I spoke to his mom and family before I left and they didn't say that he was "seen" - I hope that turns out to be true. That is what has bothered me all along, no one has seen him except the first man that saw him on his road 1/2 mile from home, and told him to 'get off the road, or he'd get hit'. From that point they did get a scent on friday early with a blood hound, but since they lost that scent, no one had seen him. Let's hope for the best this evening! Thanks for the posting and for keeping us all in touch.
Hi Everyone,
I just got home from searching for Benjy all day. We found what appeared to be fresh foot prints ? problem is, we aren't sure they are his. The dogs got a good scent and when I left they were onto something. Please stay informed and pray for him. Last night they found bare foot prints that went to the creek and back -- to the creek and back, so they think he may be drinking water? The ADAM group is there now. From the center for Missing and Exploited Children... I spoke with them and they agreed that when they got there Sat. the Command Center never should be placed so close to the home! If Benjy is still out there, he may be afraid to come near his house with all the chaos. They had good ideas on what to do the 1st 12 hours of a child missing and they offered to come to our communities FREE to speak to our law enforement, EMT's, fire departments about what they know works.
Here's the toll free number. 1-877-446-2632 ext. 8888
Lee Manning or Henry Schmidt.
Thanks for keeping everyone posted. It's time to get this boy home.
Cathy
Philippians 4:5b, 6b, 7
The Lord is near...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let's mobilize whoever that we can inform to lift up our prayers for this family and also to pray for direction to the search teams.
I pray to god they find this little boy. Please keep us updatedLets all get together for this family and show everyone the power of prayer
and bring this baby home!!!
Let's also add on to the thread...to update replies so that it'll appear on the 1st page of Parents to Autistic Children section
Still very much in our prayers.... for Benjy, the older bro, the parents Cindy and Rick any other close relations or friends...
Still in our prayers too...Any chance I got this weekend I checked the tribune website...just hoping and praying this would be the time it would say they found him! It is a hard story full of emotions, but I can't tell you how proud I was to know that there are hundreds of people spending every second they can helping...they truly are heroes and that is what is going to save that little boy! To the few that posted on this board that have been able to help, keep up the great work, I know that I am so proud of all of you for how strong you are!
Still in our prayers...Benjy and all of his family and friends.
Today's update is that dog teams continued the search overnight but failed to come up with any leads. The good news is that it seems they've basically ruled out drowning, since divers haven't uncovered anything and dog searches along the banks have failed to pick up his scent.
They're bringing in/brought in his school therapist and a rep from the Autism Society to train the searchers. One tip they got was playing Bob the Builder music to get Benjy to come to them, instead of scaring him away.
Here's the links to today's articles>
I hope they find him soon.
I helped with search on saturday.....anyone hear anything more?
Who said kids with autism have no empathy!?!
My prayers are with little Benjy & his family. He must be so confused and stressed, being out there all alone and not knowing where to go that is safe. My heart just breaks for him. The search and rescue team is probably just scaring him even more. This is so sad. I hope they find him soon! How long can he be out there with no food or water? I wonder if he is able to search for some food and water or if he doesn't understand why his tummy hurts?
I hope they find him soon!
Praying for the safe return of Benjy to his family...I read somewhere that Benjy is resourceful in finding food and water - I can't remember where I read that. I've been googling for 4 days reading all I can about this little boy and his family. So, I am hopeful that he is doing okay - probably extremely scared, but hopefully still okay. I thought I had also read they had footprints that went to and from a waterstream/creek? and that is encouraging that hopefully he is getting some water. Maybe these are all just rumors, but I am praying not and that this boy will come home soon and his dad will get a wonderful belated Father's Day gift!
Newbie here. My family went up on Sunday, we too are in WI. There were a lot of folks searching and now apparently not as many. We did a couple of searchs and one of them we were next to his father. He appears strong, but you know he has to be torn up inside. They are asking for more volunteers.
I agree they should not have put the command center right across the street from the home. Apparently he has no fear, but still he may avoid the noise. They found a place where they figure he was playing with the sticks like lincoln logs, so it is hopeful.
I hope they use some techniques to encourage him to come to them instead of them to him. I wish we could be up there helping more .
Our prayers and hearts go out to the family and searchers.
I have not been on the computer since thursday, and I wished I would have known. My husband was just up there Sunday for a rally race near Lake Winnebago. We would have went out to help search had we known. I will be praying for them.From reading the posts on the wisconsin rapids newssite - it looks like there are a few people who are trying to download some Bob The Builder music and copy it multiple times to hand out to people so they can play it on boomboxes at various locations. That way they are hoping to draw him out - one post said that they had found a footprint and a possible place where he might have slept. They were talking about putting a boombox right there and then hiding about 100 feet away and hoping he would come out. Also putting some TVs out there playing Bob the Builder videos. Let's hope it works!I really wish I lived closer so I could help. I pray for Benjy every night and will continue to do so until he is safe and at home.We just got back from a camping trip out by the Mississippi River (Perrot State Park - Trempeleau). The story was on the radio today during our drive home. They said he doesn't respond well to his name, but he loves Bob the Builder. I really hope this story has a happy ending.Welcome Ribbs !!
What a way for you to join the board !!! Great of you and also the others who were able to join in the search...cathe, skeeter1602, skip etc.
What you mentioned Ribbs is true...better to draw Benjy with a familiar tune... Why, if the search members are familiar, they may even sing or hum the tune !!
"BOB the builder, can we FIND him......BOB the builder, YES WE CAN !!! " Scoop, Muck and Dizzy and Rolley too. Lofty and Wendy join the crew. Bob and the gang have so much fun. Working together to find dear Benjy...BOB the builder, can we find him....BOB the builder, YES WE CAN !!! "
[QUOTE=Ribbs] I hope they use some techniques to encourage him to come to them instead of them to him. I wish we could be up there helping more . Our prayers and hearts go out to the family and searchers. [/QUOTE] P.S. TQ cathe for your updates...keep them coming....GOD bless & God speed... Is there a way for those of us who can't be there to search or sing Bob the Builder to help? The amount of food, water, etc., that the volunteers are going through must be enormous. Is there a number or website we can contact to donate? Also, for those of you at the site, has there been talk of donating a lifesaver bracelet to the family once they find Benjy? I'd be more than willing to donate towards something like that. More prayers that this lost child finds his way home to his family and friends... http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section? category=WRTnews I am new to the forum. I just found it after researching this story. I am from the Milwaukee area and heard about this story a few days ago. Having a 10 year old with autism it is really scary to think that this can happen to our family. My son used to walk away a lot but not anymore. I have no idea why he changed but I am so glad. He ran out of school one day and the principal found him walking down the street. He was coming home because he didn't want to be at school. He never would have found our house since we were new to the area and not in walking distance of the school. I have let my guard down since he has been better about taking off. After this story, my guard is back up. If anyone knows the family, please let them know our prayers are with them.
can't speak...
Way Too Sad For Words...Makes Me Wanna Put A Leash On My 3y/o Whos Autistic
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070619/WRT0101/70619087/1982 http://www.waow.com/News/index.php?ID=12845 This has touched me in so many ways and I just cannot even express the emotion I feel over this. It is a terrible thing. One person posted that at least they didn't find him on Father's Day. The dad will always know he went missing right before Father's Day, but to have found him on that day would have made things even worse. I just personally wish that it never would have happened at all and my heart just goes out to the family as well as my prayers and thoughts... I am from Michigan and was following this story. My son Daniel is 6 (almost 7) and has asperger's. When they flashed a picture of Ben it looked so much like my son. I just read on foxnews.com that they found Ben dead today in the creek a mile away from town. I like giving my son all the room he needs to grow and be himself, but this makes me want to hold him close and never let him out of my sight. Hold em' close people when you can. My prayers go out to that family, I would be destroyed if it happened to me. Jason Saginaw, MI This morning's headline is "Optimism is in the air". Last night the dog handlers found newer footprints in the area of the ball, and an eyewitness reported seeing a child in the area. I hope I hope I hope they find him today!!!! http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070619/WRT0101/70619027/1982 They also had an article on needing more volunteers, and asking for donations of snacks. found - in ten mile creek deceased Oh, no. I am so sorry this happened. His poor family.
I am soooo sorry to report that his body was found a mile away in the creek....... PLEASE keep his family in your prayers!
ty
THis makes me want to be with my daughter every second of every day. TEARS cannot express enough the sorrow...
Today is the day!!!! What scares me is that there is a river or some sort of body of water near this childs home. I don't want to think about that, I hope this boy is found. Ruby [/QUOTE] Police do not feel they will find Benjy in the Wisconsin River area. Dog teams did not find his scent and divers did not find anything. Here are 2 articles regarding this: http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/8054152.html http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/news/13522300/detail.html Continue to pray for Benjy's safe return. Hi everyone, Just Cathy from WI - heading down today with a car load of teens to help. Leaving soon. They didn't want us there until 8 am today. On Monday there weren't as many volunteers as Fri, Sat and Sunday! It got cooler here, so last night the TEAM ADAM supervisor called me and asked me to bring down info on previous children lost (that are autistic) and that way he could review other cases and see where they were found and how close to home! With the help of the NAA and Unlocking Autism, some news reporter from IL had several stories he just compiled for that reason.... to find a pattern. Like I stated in other blogs, Keep watching the sites you come across when you google "7 year old missing in Saratoga, WI" The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, and the TV stations (as the other person quoted) have been on the scene since Thurs. Like I said earlier whe I returned last night, please get Benjy's picture out to friends and family whereever you live. The fact still remains - how does a 7 year old boy elude 400 people a day - and night vision, etc. They are also focusing on conducting searches from house to house, looking in sheds, campgrounds, outdoor shelters. Benjy very well may have been frightened by the "mini-city" set up and the hundreds of people, helicopters, dogs, horses, etc. Today is much cooler, so the TEAM ADAM said later today would be the perfect time so far to use the heat sensors, as the last 4 nights have left the ground too warm. Tomorrow they are calling for hot again... so let's pray. I've appreciated hearing updates from everyone, and dont at all find it gossipy -- I think it's wonderful that so many people are praying and trying to help. Thank you everyone ~ Hi, Like many people I found this site by doing a google search. I went out today (for the first time). A few things first: for info on ways you can help (other than being there) the phone number to call would be 715 421 8700, this is the Wood County Sheriff (non-emergency) a few other news sites would be- www.wsaw.com and www.waow.com I have an 11 year old ("high function") autistic son. I am so proud of him cuz he has been a real trooper about Mom going out to help. I have read the previous posts about different things I can do to help protect him. I thank you VERY much for the info.!!! For those that can't actually be here, just keep on praying for him! I will be going back out tomorrow (in a few hours
I must say.... children are often underestimated, Autistic children even more so! I have faith that we WILL find him. Thank you so much for all the prayers!!!!!!!!!!!! -Bendy FYI--- more info on donations and most recent story With stormy weather threatening, officials ended the volunteer search efforts for a 7-year-old boy who has been missing since Thursday.
Lest anyone should think searchers did not cover it, it was covered nearly all the time, by one group or another. It is very brushy and hard to access along all parts except by the bridge though.
I should point out that I only found this site by accident when trying to learn the latest about the thermal imaging they did last night. Had I know about you folks, I would have kept you up to date all along. I am not here due to an autism connection, but when I saw you were all looking for more info, thought I would help.
BTW, my heart goes out to all of you dealing with anything like this and I know that all children are blessings.
Just in case any of you are interested in reaching out to the family with a card, you can send to Richard and Cindy Heil
14007 County Highway Z
Nekoosa, WI 54457
I will probably not continue to post here, but if anyone wants to contact me on their own, feel free. To prevent address harvesters from getting my email address, I will post it here with three Bs on the front of it. When you email me, remove the three B's and you will have my actual email.
BBBirhonda@charter.net
--Rhonda
"Dog handlers found
footprints last night which are believed to have been made after
Thursday, according to the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.
The prints were found in the same area a ball believed to belong to Benjy was found earlier in the search efforts.
People who hear information that could be useful are asked to find the source and have him or her contact officials.
Volunteers are returning to an area searched earlier. An eyewitness also has reported seeing a child in the area Thursday."
While no one is saying for sure (no one knows), it is assumed the footprints were from AFTER the rain on Saturday and it is also uncertain if they are his. That is where the search is being concentrated right now though.
We are all hoping for the best, but need to keep facts straight.
Thanks for all your concern and prayers.
Oh I hope someone finds him soon! I received an e-mail from the Autism Society of Minnesota yesterday about the search effort - they sent it out to their entire e-mail list. They rarely do something like this - but they thought this was too important to not send it out! I will try to forward that to other places that might be able to help. But thought people would like to know that the message is being spread!I pray every mintue that this little boy be found.. This is so truly scary.. i will contunie to pray until he found..
I live in Saratoga, three miles from the Heil family, and have done some searching, along with other family members. Saratoga is a township in central WI, not a city.
The best way to follow this story is to keep check at our local newspaper, the Wisc Rapids Daily Tribune online at
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpag e
Check the center of the page for more details, not just the blue update notes at the top.
Also, there is an AMBER ALERT out for Benjy because he is considered endangered due to the autism. You can find that here: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearch Servlet?act=viewChildDetail&caseNum=1073227&orgPrefi x=NCMC&seqNum=1&caseLang=en_US&searchLang=en_US
Keep the prayers coming. Benjy and the family need them. It is feared that the search will soon be coming to an end with no resolution.
horribly sad. Praying for the family, as well as the search team involved.
Benjy Heil was last seen in the basement of his home early Thursday evening. Hundreds of emergency personnel and volunteers have been working around the clock to find the missing boy, who is autistic.
At about 3:30 p.m. today, Wood County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Dave Laude, gathered volunteers waiting to go out and informed them that a pending storm, expected to hit the area around 5 p.m., would make it unsafe to send anymore volunteers out to search. Previous day's searches ended with the daylight.
A current group of searches who were sent out earlier are expected back prior to the storm’s anticipated arrival.
Volunteers are asked to come out again Tuesday to continue searching. Laude asked those present today to return Tuesday and bring as many people as possible with them.
Today’s search focused primarily on an area south of the Adams County and Wood County line, Laude said. Most of the area in a three-mile radius has been searched more than once.
Donations of supplies continue to be needed at the site, said Pattie Kelnhofer, Red Cross Emergency Services coordinator.
“We’re in Day 4 and we’re looking at continuing to feed between 400 and 600 people three meals a day,” she said.
The Red Cross, working with the Salvation Army, is coordinating donations. People who want to donate, food, beverages or ice are asked to contact the Red Cross Office at 715-423-7360 until 4 p.m. today. After that time, they can page Kelnhofer at 800-921-9239. Kelnhofer did warn it might take time for her to return pages.
Laude also asked volunteers to consider the source of rumors that have been circulating around the area If people hears something they believe could be useful, they should try to find the source and report it to officials.
Footprints that were spotted over the weekend are believed to have been made by someone other than Benjy, Laude said. Reports of searchers hearing crying may have been caused by horses that have been used for searching.
Area residents are again asked to search outbuildings, vehicles and any place large enough for a 7-year-old to hide inside.
Again, you cannot blame the
searchers, they searched that pond, with dogs, several times daily! He must have
been at the bottom all during that time and it took him time to
surface.
Here is from the
newspaper online.
Coroner: Drowning the likely cause of
Saratoga boy’s death
Daily
Tribune Staff
Updated at 2:29 p.m.
A preliminary autopsy report
indicates that Benjy Heil died from asphyxiation due to drowning.
Officials believe Benjy, a 7-year-old Saratoga boy who was found in a
pond Tuesday after disappearing from his home the evening of June 14, had been
in the pond since the night he went missing, Wood County Coroner Garry Kronstedt
said today.
Kronstedt said it will take about two weeks to get the final
autopsy report.
Benjamin 'Benjy' Aaron Heil
Benjamin "Benjy" Aaron Heil, 7, of 14007 Highway Z, Nekoosa, received his ultimate healing from his autism Thursday, June 14, 2007.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa. Pastor Carl Kummer will officiate. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery in the town of Saratoga.
Benjy was born Feb. 15, 2000, in Wisconsin Rapids to Richard and Cindy (Wilhorn) Heil. He had recently completed kindergarten at Humke Elementary School in Nekoosa.
He is survived by his parents, Richard and Cindy Heil of Nekoosa; three sisters, Mandy Heil (Ryan Panasuk) of Minneapolis, Katie (Matthew) Casper of Nekoosa, and Lena Heil at home; four brothers, Justin, Micah, Elisha and Nathanael Heil, all at home; one nephew, Josiah Casper of Nekoosa; his paternal grandfather, Norman Heil of Port Edwards; maternal grandparents, John and Donna Wilhorn of Nekoosa; his Godparents, Mary and Kevin Wussow of Wisconsin Rapids; his special therapist, Anne Brehmer of Wisconsin Rapids; and his loving church family at Bethlehem.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Florence Heil.
Friends may call at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be determined at a later date and will include the fund to bring Joseph home.
=======================
Posted June 21, 2007
Services for Saratoga boy moved
Services
for Benjy Heil, a 7 year old Saratoga boy whose body was found Tuesday
after he was reported missing June 14, will be at the Nekoosa High
School at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services, also at the high school.
The
luncheon will still be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa
and will take place after the burial at Green Hill Cemetery in
Saratoga.
=======================================
Green Hill Cemetery is half a mile from Benjy's house, a tiny little country cemetery. I have many family members there myself. It is a fitting resting place for the little guy.
The services were moved so that they could fit in all the people who want to attend.
--Rhonda
I have a question for anyone who might know - what is the fund to bring Joseph home? I didn't see a mention of a Joseph. Maybe it's not important, but it struck me as odd.
I haven't read any new posts yet this evening - but I saw on our local news that a little 5 year-old girl drowned in a pond in Blaine, MN. That is even closer to home for me. Kedan was from Illinois (I was born and raised in Illinois), Benjy from Wisconsin and Kaylee (I believe that was her name) from less than an hour away from where we currently live. This is just awful and I hope it raises awareness not just for people who don't know a lot about autism - but also for all of us parents of children with autism to be even more hyper-vigilant (if that is even possible!).
This is just so awful for all the families - my heart goes out to all of them...
Hi, Just Cathy from WI writing in for the day. Searching was stopped at 3:30 ish due to severe weather. We ended up with nearly 60 mph winds. They told everyone to go home until tomorrow. Problem is tonight is the last night they are using the blackhawk helicopters.!! They are done. How sad is that? Also, just to clarify -- from the debriefing prior to my leaving... the foot prints found both yesterday and early morning Sunday were probably persons who took off their shoes while searching. Apparently several people have expressed that they in fact did that -- as it was so hot? Also, other than a neighbor seeing him initially on the road, there have been No Sightings of Him at all!! none. The one yesterday was actually a bunch of turkeys. Basically he's just disappeared. My son's therapists may go tomorrow also, as this remains a rescue and not yet recovery mission.
ADAM TEAM is there and looking into everything now. Today there were many less volunteers ~ it was sad to see. I asked on our local radio for help... I wonder if we'll get many tomorrow? People are starting to get tired and discouraged... not even a simple sign of him anywhere. I find it so strange that no one has seen him at all? no one? Thanks for everyone's prayers and let's pray that Benjy gets home soon.
Thanks for the Update :(
**so many prayers are with this family and the searchers**
My child wandered off when he was three years old, and I was completely beside myself. Fortunately, he was found an hour later about four blocks away by a neighbor. The police were less than sympathetic, they asked me repeatedly if I "did" something to him. I am praying for this child. And I agree, why no Amber Alert?
Ruby
Read about why there's no Amber alert on page 3 of this topic. I'm saddened to hear that the footprints were probably a searcher's, but I don't really see how they could think an adult's footprint belonged to a 7 year old...
The only thing new at the newspaper's website is a short blurb about the storm halting search efforts, and 13 pictures from the search.
Poor little guy. I sure hope he's okay.
From what I understand, there has to be a definite abduction...with a witness and/or description of the abductor, in order for there to be an Amber Alert.What scares me is that there is a river or some sort of body of water near this childs home. I don't want to think about that, I hope this boy is found.
Ruby
My heart again goes out to this family & also all involved in the search. I ampraying for Benjy, and hope he is found safe SOON.
I'm trying not to stray off topic here, but given the requirements regarding
Amber alerts, I wonder if something similar to an Amber alert could be
created & brought into law (following in the steps of this brilliant alert
system) specificially for children w/ autism & other developmental
disabilities. I hear rather often of this happening & it would be so helpful to
have an alert (at least to be broadcast locally) in a situation like this. Along
with the actual alert, special police & searcher training would also be part of
it. Something to think about.
Again, sending many prayers to Benjy & his family.
Hi
I sent Benji's photo out to the NAA, Unlocking Autism and Autism Speaks, so they in turn could send it out in a general email alert to all members of their organizations. I figured, if they aren't going to do, we as parents can~! I did hear the every state's law is different about how lax they can be with sending out Amber Alerts. The ADAM TEAM told me WI is very strict, and needs you to SEE someone putting your child in their vehicle (like the previous blog stated)... while other states may have been able to issue one, just based on the evidence that there is a popular campground across the street ~ and also he clearly was in "danger" because of his disability....
Tomorrow ~ we need a miracle tomorrow.
One last posting on Benjy Heil.If anyone read the obit, you noticed that some of the monetary donations were going to be put toward the "Bring Joseph Home" fund. There were some questions as to what this was and I did respond with an explanation to someone who emailed me privately, but I did not post that here.
Yesterday I rec'd an email from someone who while not a member on this board, saw the posting here and wanted you all to know what that was. Here is her email, in full.
--Rhonda (read on)
I happened to come across your e-mail address on the
autism website. I grew up in Nekoosa.
Maybe this is old news, but I thought I would send it
to you to post since I am not a member of the board.
The last post to the website had a question as to who
Joseph was since that name hadn't been brought up
before. One of the Heil's good friend's is trying to
adopt a baby boy from Ethiopia. His name is Joseph.
The friend's name is Dawn Johnson. She spoke for the
family a few times during the search for Benjy.
If it is old news, no big deal. Just thought I would
send it to you to post if you choose.
Brenda
Thank you for letting us know. Thanks Rhonda!From the Wisc Rapids Daily Tribune
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Memorial funds to help adoption By Jeff Williams
Daily Tribune Staff
SARATOGA -- Sunday at church, Nathanael Heil walked across the aisle and placed something in Dawn Johnson's hand.
She looked down, saw the bill and heard the 10-year-old boy tell her to take his money to help pay to bring Joseph home.
Overcome with emotion, Johnson had to leave the church. Nathanael received the money on his birthday, June 18, one day before the body of Benjy, his 7-year-old brother, was found in a pond near their house.
Nathanael was following in his parents' footsteps: They have said they will donate some of the money from the memorial in their son's name to Johnson, who is in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia. The boy will be named Joseph Benjamin Johnson.
"This is a way of donating part of Benjy for another child," said Cindy Heil, Benjy's mom.
After the five-day search for Benjy concluded, a memorial fund was set up through the Bancroft State Bank in Saratoga and collection cans have popped up at many businesses. The support from hundreds of volunteers and search teams from the Midwest has carried over to the memorial fund, but not everyone agrees with the Heils' intentions.
Sherri Joe Lucas, who is organizing some of the fundraising, has heard stories from volunteers who are collecting and dropping off the cans.
"I was so proud of this community (during the search for Benjy)," she said. "Now to see the way people are acting, I am ashamed."
With one income and a loan outstanding for the adoption of 2-year-old Gracie, Johnson was determined to raise the almost ,000 to pay for the process of adopting another child. She was overwhelmed when Rick Heil, Cindy's husband, unveiled the plans to help her.
Cindy Heil said there are many worthy causes, but she would rather give the money to a family friend.
"If I got to missing my little boy I could go rock (Joseph) ... for a couple of hours," she said. "That would mean more to me than to put up a monument or send (the money) to a cause."
Just thought you would all like to know.--Rhonda
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