Top Story #9: Lost Boy Found in Wilderness

Top Story #9: Lost Boy Found in Wilderness


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(KSL News) We're counting down the top stories of 2005, and here's number nine.

An 11-year-old boy survives nearly a week lost in the wilderness.

Brennan Hawkins was on a scout camping trip with a friend, when he never made it to dinner one night. A full scale search was on for the boy, and five days later he was found, just fine.

It was hard to believe -- an 11-year-old boy lasts four nights in the Uintah Mountains with no food, water, or warm clothing. But that's what Brennan Hawkins did.

Mrs. Minors/Grandmother: "It's a miracle, a miracle!"

Brennan was missing from a scout camp. Though not a scout himself, Brennan was with a friend who's dad was involved.

On a Friday night, Brennan was alone on his way to dinner, but got disoriented, and headed up a 10-thousand foot ridge instead.

For five days hundreds of volunteers scoured the mountain for the Bountiful boy, until one found him.

Forrest Nunley/Found Brennan Hawkins: "And it turned this little corner, really going slow, and there was a kid standing in the middle of the trail."

Besides being a little dehydrated with some bumps and bruises, Brennan was fine.

Sheriff Dave Edmunds/Summit County: "He wanted food, water, and his mom, just what any 11-year old boy would want."

After spending one night in the hospital, Brennan was released.

Marisa Wall/Neighbor: "We're just elated. We're absolutely elated."

Jody Hawkins/Mother: "People say that the heavens are closed, and God no longer answers prayers. We're here to unequivocally tell you that prayers are answered and children come home."

After being rescued, Brennan didn't want to talk about the experience -- and his family didn't pressure him to. They said they would let him tell about it when he was ready.

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