17-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH AUTISM VANISHES DURING FIRST CAMPING TRIP — MOTHER DESPERATELY WAITS FOR NEWS AS MASSIVE SEARCH CONTINUES

A desperate search is underway for a 17-year-old boy who disappeared during a camping trip in eastern Victoria, Australia. His family fears for his safety as police and emergency crews continue searching dense bushland in increasingly difficult conditions.

William Barkley, known to his family as Will, was last seen on Friday, November 6, near Stoney Creek Road and the T2 Track in Walhalla East, a rural area in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

The teenager had been camping with a 16-year-old friend for the weekend. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, had dropped the boys off near the camping area that afternoon.

After setting up their campsite, William reportedly walked back toward the drop-off point to collect additional camping supplies, including a portable cooler containing food and water. The walk between the campsite and the drop-off area typically takes around 20 minutes.

However, William never returned.

When his friend realized he was missing, he searched the surrounding area and repeatedly called out for him but received no response. William’s mobile phone had been left behind at the campsite, making it impossible for him to call his family or ask for help.

Police believe the teenager may have become disoriented and accidentally wandered away from the track into the surrounding bushland.

HIS MOTHER FEARS HE MAY BE COLD, HUNGRY AND FRIGHTENED

William has Level 2 autism and anxiety, and his mother says he has very little camping experience and was unfamiliar with the area.

Elizabeth is particularly worried that her son may have become overwhelmed or confused after losing his way in the unfamiliar terrain.

At approximately 6-foot-2 and in good physical condition, William may have been capable of walking a considerable distance from the campsite, making the search area even more challenging.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing only a pair of shorts and work boots. He had reportedly removed his shirt because of the warm weather earlier that afternoon.

Temperatures dropped to approximately 36°F (2°C) overnight, raising serious concerns about his exposure to the cold.

Speaking about her fears, Elizabeth said:

“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 also expressed concern that William could be hungry, exhausted and frightened after spending several days alone outdoors.

“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.

His mother hopes he may have found somewhere sheltered to rest, explaining that he is a deep sleeper.

DOZENS OF POLICE AND RESCUE WORKERS JOIN THE SEARCH

Victoria Police launched a major search operation shortly after William was reported missing.

The operation has involved local officers from Maffra, Sale, Rosedale, Morwell and Bairnsdale, alongside specialist police units and emergency services personnel.

Search teams have included the Police Air Wing, helicopters, drones, the Dog Squad, Mounted Branch, Search and Rescue Squad, Public Order Response Team, motorcycle officers and State Emergency Services personnel.

A police command post was established in Cowwarr to coordinate the operation.

Authorities have described the surrounding bushland as extremely thick, steep and dangerous, making it difficult for searchers to cover the area.

Police Acting Superintendent Melanie Hamshere said approximately 65 to 70 people had been involved in the search during its early stages.

By November 10, police said around 80 emergency service personnel had been involved in the operation.

Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said authorities remained hopeful because William was young, fit and physically strong.

Police emphasized that they were committing significant resources to the search and had no plans to scale back their efforts.

NEW CLUES DISCOVERED AS POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES

Several items connected to William have been located during the search.

Police initially discovered his portable cooler, known locally as an esky, containing food and water. However, the teenager himself was nowhere to be found.

On November 10, further reports revealed that a box of cereal and a packet of marshmallows believed to belong to William had also been discovered near the campsite. His mother reportedly confirmed that the items belonged to her son.

Other missing camping equipment includes a blue or black pillow, a table and an old tackle box.

Investigators are also urgently trying to identify a man and a woman who stopped to help William’s friend on Friday evening after he went looking for the missing teenager.

The couple were reportedly travelling in an older white four-wheel-drive vehicle with a tray and a dark-colored canopy.

They were believed to have been on Stoney Creek Road between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on November 6.

The pair reportedly helped collect camping equipment and transport William’s friend back up the track to meet his mother.

Police believe they may have important information that could help establish what happened that evening.

FAMILY CONTINUES TO HOLD ON TO HOPE

For Elizabeth and the rest of William’s family, every passing hour has brought more uncertainty and fear.

His mother described the experience as one of the worst nightmares a parent could face.

She said William is a good-hearted boy who loves football and soccer and is not afraid to approach or speak to other people.

The family is desperately hoping that someone may have encountered him or noticed something unusual in the surrounding area.

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

As the search enters another day, police continue to urge anyone who has information about William’s disappearance, or who may have seen him near Walhalla East, Stoney Creek Road or the T2 Track, to come forward.

Anyone who sees William should immediately call Triple Zero (000). Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Sale Police Station on (03) 5142 2200.

His family is still waiting for the news they desperately want to hear: that Will has been found and can finally come home.

Source: PEOPLE, Victoria Police, ABC News Australia.