The mother believed he was alive. He was found after six days.

Seventeen-year-old William was last seen on November 6, when his mother dropped him off for a camping trip in Walhalla East, Australia. After he wandered away from the tent, extensive searches were conducted for six days, involving divers and search dogs. A breakthrough occurred when police spotted him from a helicopter in a riverbed, where he was found sunburned and without a shirt. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, described his rescue as a miracle, expressing her happiness and relief. William had been navigating difficult terrain and sustained minor injuries after falling into the riverbed. He was found safe but hungry, and his mother humorously stated he would never go out again.