17-year-old with autism disappeared into dense woods filled with animals — what pilots spotted from the sky two days later stunned them
It is always concerning when a minor goes missing, especially in a dense forest with wildlife. The situation becomes even more sensitive when the teenager is autistic. According to a PEOPLE report from Thursday, April 9, 2026, a similar case unfolded when a teenager named Joel Medina from New Jersey went missing last month. After a prolonged search, he was finally found in the woods, where helicopter pilots spotted him in a challenging situation.
Medina ran away from home on March 20, 2026, according to Egg Harbor Township (New Jersey) police. This started a search for the 17-year-old, who disappeared from the Fourth Avenue area behind the Shore Mall in the West Jersey neighborhood. The search lasted 36 hours and involved multiple agencies, drones, police dogs, and helicopters, but there was no sign of him in the forest on March 21. However, early the next morning, infrared technology helped searchers locate the teen from a helicopter. He was found curled up beside a tree after temperatures had dropped to 35 degrees the previous night, as per the officials.
Later, the footage of the entire rescue operation was released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It revealed that the rescue team crossed difficult terrain, including dense forests filled with animals, to reach the 17-year-old, while the helicopter pilots kept a constant watch on him from the sky. They reached Medina, and then began the “painstaking trek back out of the cold woods.”
“This successful outcome was the result of an extraordinary, unified effort at every level—community-wide, county-wide, state-wide, and federal,” said Egg Harbor Police. Medina’s disappearance from home may be linked to autism. As noted in a report by Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, a 2012 study found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are four times more likely to wander from safe places compared to their siblings. It also mentioned, “74% of kids with ASD left home—either theirs or someone else’s.”
However, thanks to relentless search efforts involving multiple agencies, including the FBI and law enforcement, Medina was found within two days. “All involved shared one mission and one goal: to locate Medina safe, sound, and reunite him with his family,” the police said later. Viewers also reacted to the clip shared by the FBI, praising their efforts. Hailey Walker wrote, “Thank you so much, law enforcement.”
Another user, Jessica Brookes, added, “Thank you for your service! Job well done.” Some users also hoped for the boy’s safety and well-being in the future. “Praising God for the efforts and safety of this boy!” mentioned Lindsay Nichole. Medina's parents also expressed their gratitude, but in a very personal way. The family provided lunch for the police department last week.