- The Washington Times - Tuesday, May 9, 2023

A search team found a missing Wisconsin boy Monday after the child vanished inside a Michigan forest over the weekend, according to authorities.

Michigan State Police said Nante Niemi, 8, was in good health after spending two days alone in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in the state’s Upper Peninsula. The second-grader was found 2 miles away from his family’s campsite at about 1 p.m. Monday, two days after he went missing while gathering firewood Saturday afternoon.

Over 150 search and rescue personnel rallied to find the boy in a 40-square-mile area, authorities said.

Colin Gauther, a volunteer who joined the effort, told local NBC and Fox affiliate WLUC-TV about hearing a sound and finding Nante underneath a log.

“I heard it again, and this time it was completely clear,” Mr. Gauther said. “I heard him yell, and it sounded just like someone screaming their head off.”

Another volunteer said the boy was a bit dirty, but otherwise appeared fine.

The child told rescuers he ate some snow for hydration and made footprints so he could be found.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.

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