Frantic search over as two year old boy found safe in B.C. campground

Kimberley RCMP and search and rescue crews found the boy at around 11 a.m. near Yankee Lake, several kilometres from the spot where he went missing.
(Photo: Kimberley RCMP/Twitter)

KIMBERLEY, B.C.—A desperate search and rescue effort ended in relief on Sunday when a missing two-year-old boy was found safe in a British Columbia campground.

Isaac Leuenberger was walking with his mother and two siblings at around 7 p.m. Saturday in Premier Lake Provincial Campground when he became separated from them.

Kimberley RCMP and search and rescue crews found the boy at around 11 a.m. near Yankee Lake, several kilometres from the spot where he went missing.

“He’s in good health. He had some scratches on him and he was hungry. Mom cleaned him up and he met with the search and rescue volunteers who came out to help,” said Cpl. Chris Newel.

“He didn’t go to the hospital and he’s fine.”

Newel said it appeared the toddler got distracted and wandered up the wrong trail without his mother or siblings. Once he was found, his family and the search and rescue volunteers were all “elated,” said Newel.

“We’re very grateful and we’re all just bursting.”

After the toddler went missing, a Facebook group titled “Help Find Isaac” was quickly created. On Sunday, a user with the name Amanda Leuenberger posted to the group.

“On behalf of the Leuenberger family, we would like to thank everyone who helped, prayed and spread the word,” she wrote.

“Issac is safe and well,” she added. “He said he slept in the grass … tough little guy. Happy day!”