A 22-month-old toddler who had been missing for four days was found alive near a 50-foot cliff.
Kenneth Howard was found Wednesday, less than a mile away from his home, near a strip mine in Floyd County, Kentucky, police said.
Rescue workers heard the boy crying at the bottom of the incline and used a basket and rope to pull the him up.
Kenneth was reported missing on Sunday evening and his father, Elden Howard, feared that his son was abducted.
While the boy was still missing, Elden told WKYT: ‘It’s just like he disappeared. No sign, no nothing. That’s the reason (I’ve) started to think, if we can’t find him, somebody’s picked him up.’
He continued: ‘I would just like to see him come home safe. I guess it’s adrenaline. I can’t rest, can’t eat. I’ve ate one bologna sandwich since Sunday.’
In the days after Kenneth vanished, rescue crews searched a wooded hillside near the boys house, which they said was a challenge because of the steep terrain covered in brush.
The area was scoured by drones with thermal cameras, helicopters, and dogs before he was found Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, the Magoffin County Sheriff’s office wrote: ‘According to Captain Carter Conley of the Magoffin Co Rescue Squad, he is alive, he is being attended by medics for dehydration, but is in remarkably good condition. Thanks to all who prayed, searched and helped in any way!! This is the best news ever !!!’
Family members have reportedly said that the boy may have wandered out of the back door of their home, although it has not been confirmed.
Upon his rescue, a helicopter flew him to a trauma center, although authorities reported that he was found in ‘remarkably good condition.’
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