Young Man with Autism Found by Strangers 12 Hours After Getting Lost in the Freezing Cold: ‘It’s a Miracle’ (Exclusive) 02.03.2026

A 24-year-old man with autism, Jacob Bates, was found safe 12 hours after disappearing in River Legacy Park in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, February 23. Bates went missing while cycling with his father, and after initial searches by the Arlington Police Department, including drones and a helicopter, failed to locate him, a call for volunteers was issued. Local real estate agent David Dedwylder, familiar with the park's terrain and wildlife, suspected a heat-detecting drone was needed and contacted Chance Sauser, a drone company owner from Rowlett. Sauser, despite the late hour and distance, drove to the park and, using his drone, located Bates in dense brush. Dedwylder and Sauser then navigated through difficult terrain to reach Bates, who was cold but unharmed, and he was subsequently reunited with his family and released from the hospital.

















