17-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH AUTISM VANISHES DURING CAMPING TRIP — HIS MOTHER SAYS SHE IS LIVING HER “WORST NIGHTMARE” AS MASSIVE SEARCH ENTERS FOURTH DAY

WALHALLA EAST, AUSTRALIA — November 10, 2026 — A family is desperately waiting for answers after a 17-year-old boy with autism disappeared during what was supposed to be a weekend camping trip with a family member. As freezing temperatures, dense bushland and difficult terrain complicate the search, his mother says she cannot sleep knowing her son may be frightened, cold and alone somewhere in the wilderness.

The teenager, identified by authorities only as William, also known as Will, disappeared on Friday, November 6, while camping in Walhalla East, in Victoria’s Gippsland region of Australia.

His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, described the disappearance as one of the worst nightmares a parent could experience.

“I can’t sleep knowing I’m safe in bed and warm and he is somewhere out there and he’d be so scared,” she told ABC News.

A SHORT WALK THAT TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE

According to Victoria Police, William was camping with another teenager near Stoney Creek Road and the T2 Track.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, he walked a short distance toward another part of the campsite to collect additional camping equipment.

But he never returned.

His companion searched the surrounding area but could not find him. William’s disappearance was subsequently reported to authorities, triggering an extensive search operation.

Investigators believe he may have become disoriented and lost his way in the surrounding bushland.

His mother explained that William has Level 2 autism, experiences anxiety and has very little camping experience. He was also unfamiliar with the area.

She fears that being alone in an unfamiliar wilderness environment could leave him extremely frightened and confused.

HIS PHONE, FOOD AND WATER WERE LEFT BEHIND

One of the most concerning details is what William did not have with him when he disappeared.

His mobile phone remained at the campsite. Food and water were also left behind.

Police later located his cooler, known locally as an esky, containing supplies.

William was last seen wearing only a pair of shorts and work boots. His mother explained that he had taken off his shirt because the weather had been warm earlier that afternoon.

However, conditions changed dramatically overnight.

Temperatures dropped sharply, with cold weather affecting the surrounding mountain region. Police became increasingly concerned about his ability to survive outdoors without adequate clothing or supplies.

His mother also fears that William, who stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and is physically fit, may have wandered much farther from the original campsite than anyone initially realized.

“I just don’t know what’s happened … we’ve found the esky, but there’s just no sign of him. It’s like he’s just vanished,” she said.

AN EXPANDING SEARCH INVOLVING DOZENS OF RESCUERS

Victoria Police have deployed a major search operation involving local officers and specialist units.

The operation has included police helicopters, drones, water police, search-and-rescue specialists, police dogs, mounted officers, motorcycle police and State Emergency Services personnel.

On November 10, the search entered its fourth day, with approximately 80 emergency personnel involved in the operation.

Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said authorities remained hopeful, pointing to William’s physical fitness and strength.

Police have emphasized that they are throwing extensive resources into locating the teenager and have no plans to scale back the search.

POLICE SEEKED TWO WITNESSES — AND RECEIVED NEW INFORMATION

Investigators previously appealed for a man and woman who stopped to help William’s camping companion on Friday evening to come forward.

The couple were reportedly travelling in an older white four-wheel-drive vehicle with a tray and a dark-coloured canopy along Stoney Creek Road between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

According to the latest police information reported on November 10, authorities have since spoken with the occupants of the vehicle, who provided information to assist the investigation.

Police are also appealing to anyone who may have travelled through the Cowwarr, Stoney Creek and surrounding areas on Friday to provide information, including possible dashcam footage.

“I JUST WANT HIM BACK HOME”

For Elizabeth Barkley, every passing hour brings more uncertainty.

She worries that her son may be cold, hungry and frightened, unable to find his way back.

She hopes he may have found somewhere sheltered to rest.

“I just hope he is curled up somewhere and has gone to sleep,” she said, explaining that William is a deep sleeper.

She also described him as a boy who would likely approach and speak to people he encountered.

The uncertainty has been especially painful for the family, who have no way of knowing where William is or what he may be experiencing.

“You don’t know where he is, whether he is still alive, if he is OK. I just want him back home,” his mother said.

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

As of November 10, 2026, William had not yet been located, and the search remained active.

Police are urging anyone who sees him to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or Sale Police Station at (03) 5142 2200.

William is 17 years old and was last seen wearing shorts and work boots.

For his family, this is not simply a missing-person investigation. It is a desperate wait for the safe return of a son who was supposed to be enjoying an ordinary weekend away.

His mother’s plea is simple: she wants her boy home.