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WEEKLY NEWS 2: Missing Boy Scout Found

An 11-year-old Utah boy became separated from his Boy Scout troop last Friday evening. Brennan Hawkins spent four days trying to find his way back to camp.

After a massive search by thousands of volunteers, Brennan was found on Tuesday, soaking wet and covered in mud. His trek through the Utah mountain wilderness left him very hungry and thirsty, but otherwise in good condition.

Brennan’s troubles began on Friday, when he and his friend were leaving the artificial climbing wall at the Scout camp. Brennan was slow to get out of his climbing harness, and his buddy took off without him, returning to the camp. Under Scout rules, the buddy system is used so that each boy is accompanied by another at all times. When Brennan tried to find his way back alone, he took a wrong turn.

Brennan carried no food or water with him when he disappeared, and his parents feared that he did not have a good sense of direction. One thing that did work in his favor was the mild weather. Nighttime temperatures fell only into the 50s, so Brennan didn't get too cold.

Rescuers were surprised that Brennan was found farther up the mountain, since 90 percent of lost children will walk back down the mountain, a less strenuous route to take. Also, Brennan had apparently seen rescuers pass him throughout his ordeal, but he hid from them, later explaining that his parents had always told him not to talk to strangers.

When Brennan was found, he quickly downed bottles of water and granola bars given to him by his rescuers. His first request? Brennan asked to play a video game on one of their cell phones.

--Written by Patricia Daniels

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