Autistic boy missing in Fremont County has been found

An 8-year-old boy with autism has been found safe on Thursday night, Fremont County deputies said.

Braxton had been missing since noon Thursday by Targhee Creek in the Island Park area where he was fishing with his parents, deputies said. Police did not release the boy’s last name.

Powerline Construction employees found Braxton on a rock in the middle of the Targhee Creek wearing gym shorts and a sandals, rescuers said. He was about one mile north of his camp.

Our cameras were there as rescuers brought Braxton out of the woods on horseback.

Crews said it was a difficult rescue because the boy is nonverbal.

According to Fremont Search and Rescue, Braxton indicated to his father that he was looking for snakes.

Numerous people joined in the search efforts Thursday. In addition to Fremont County personnel, crews from West Yellowstone, Mont., the U.S. Forest Service, Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin County, Mont., deputies and Search and Rescue members, a BYU-Idaho class on a field trip, ATV/motorcycle riders, and hikers all scoured the area for Braxton. At least one helicopter and several search dogs were also used. A nearby Air Force base was just getting ready to launch additional air support when the boy was found.

Deputies said the family is from Utah.