WYMT: Searchers on Horseback Find Roman Heilman, 6, Alive in the Kentucky Hills

A search that drew first responders and neighbors into the steep hills of eastern Kentucky ended with the outcome everyone hoped for. Roman Heilman, a 6 year old boy with autism who is nonverbal, was found alive after nearly two days missing in the mountains of Lawrence County, WYMT reported.

The station said Kentucky State Police troopers reported that Roman disappeared from his home on Tadpole Road in Louisa on the afternoon of Sunday, November 1. He was found on Tuesday, November 3.

A Search Through Difficult Country

Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Travis Hughes told WYMT that the search began quickly and expanded fast. Crews faced thick vegetation, steep hills, ponds and cliffs, along with worries about the weather.

Officials said every available agency and method was used. Searchers even sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" as they moved through the hills, hoping the familiar tune would reach a child who could not call back. Responders were told early on that Roman's dog was probably with him, because the dog had not been seen either.

The Clues That Kept Hope Alive

Hughes said searchers found signs that Roman had been in the hills, including muddy footprints that appeared to be his. On Monday morning, crews found his jacket and pants. Hughes told the station that the discovery gave them more hope, while also adding urgency to the search.

On Tuesday morning, officials used drone technology to pinpoint a temperature reading in the mountains. They then brought in searchers on horseback to reach places that ATVs could not. According to Hughes, a candy wrapper on the ground sent the riders down a path.

A Dog, a Trail and a Song

Soon after, the little dog popped out onto the trail, and Roman followed, Hughes told WYMT. He said the dog was probably alerted by the horses. Searchers told reporters that Roman greeted the horses with the farmyard refrain from Old MacDonald, a moment that turned a tense search into a joyful one.

Hughes told the station that he was waiting for word when the call came. "When I got the call, they said, 'hey, we do have him and he is alive,'" he said, calling it "the best feeling ever."

Roman was taken down the mountain for a medical evaluation. Officials said he was dehydrated and scraped up but otherwise doing well. "He was fine, no broken bones, just a few scratches, little dirty feet, but it was one of the most rewarding things to see him smile," Hughes told the station.

A Community That Showed Up

Hughes credited first responders and volunteers from surrounding communities, as well as everyone who brought food, water or prayers. "It's nothing short of a miracle," he told WYMT. "It's what a community is all about, especially at a time like this."

He said he had been told Roman was doing well and in good spirits, and that he hoped to check in on the family soon.

Why Stories Like This Matter

Children with autism can be drawn to wander, and a child who is nonverbal may not respond when searchers call out. Families and responders who face that risk often plan ahead with recent photos, information about a child's interests and fears, and quick notification of local police.

Search teams increasingly combine old and new methods, and this search shows why. A drone's thermal reading narrowed the area, riders on horseback covered ground that vehicles could not, and a small piece of litter on a trail pointed the way.

Roman's story ended safely because people moved fast and refused to give up. When a child goes missing anywhere in the United States, families should call 911 immediately. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can be reached at 1-800-843-5678 and at missingkids.org for support and to share tips.