Missing autistic teen Leif Courtney found on NSW Central Coast
Non-verbal autistic teen Leif Courtney is “safe and well” at home with his mother after a massive community search today saw him found unhurt on a houseboat.
Police & Courts
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Non-verbal autistic teen Leif Courtney is “safe and well” at home with his mother after a massive community search today saw him found unhurt on a houseboat.
Cheers went up at the local Rural Fire Service brigade shed, where search efforts were being co-ordinated form, after NSW Police confirmed just before 5pm the 13-year-old had been found.
Superintendent Kelly Phillips said police were “elated” the boy had been found safe after he swam “50 to 100 metres” out to a houseboat moored off the Mooney Mooney Wharf.
“We’re elated he’s been located safe and well,” Supt Phillips said.
“He’s now with his mother and ambulance paramedics are now checking him out.”
Leif was reunited with his mum Leonie Morris at Mooney Mooney Wharf about 5pm, sharing a hug before the pair drove past the search headquarters.
A tearful Ms Morris embraced volunteers and Police Rescue officers, sharing the information that her son was “absolutely fine”.
She called the search effort to find her little boy “incredibly humbling”.
“He’s absolutely fine, he’s fine … he got his way out to a houseboat and spent the night there,” Ms Morris said.
“Everyone who searched, some people didn’t sleep, those who co-ordinated, made food … thank you to absolutely everyone, it’s incredibly humbling.”
Among those receiving a tearful thank you was Leif’s rescuer, local oyster farmer Brett Hogbin.
Mr Hogbin had been searching empty vessels moored around a nearby bay when he spotted Leif, and said he was “relieved” the young boy was okay.
“We looked for him all morning, drove past the same houseboat three or four times until we finally spotted him,” Mr Hogbin said.
“He was happy to see us, dived straight onto the boat when he saw us, even if the (rescue helicopter) scared him a bit.”
EARLIER:
The parents of a missing teen with autism have pleaded with the public to talk to their son if they see him as emergency services and volunteers scour roads and bushland for the boy.
Leif Courtney, 13, was last seen at his home near dense bushland on the Pacific Highway in Mooney Mooney on the NSW Central Coast around 7.30pm on Wednesday night. When his parents couldn’t find him, they immediately alerted police.
Local residents, teachers and school friends of the boy, as well as rescue crews, joined in a search for the teen last night with a large scale operation continuing today.
Leif’s father Allen Courtney told The Daily Telegraph he was grateful to the community for their effort and urged anyone who sees his son to not be afraid to approach him.
“Thank you for everything everyone is doing, I really appreciate the effort, I really do,” he said. “He’s not afraid of crowds. Please approach him if he’s seen and just do your best.”
Mr Courtney said while Leif is mostly non-verbal, he often “makes squealing noises or repeats things he’s heard”
“If he’s about, he’s often noisy, so listen out,” he said.
He will respond to his name – which is pronounced “Layfe” or “Layfie” – but also acknowledges “Leaf” of “Leafie”.
“He’s not normally worried about a crowd or noise, so don’t let that bother you. Don’t be worried about approaching him. You may need to grab an arm or hand to have him follow (you),” Mr Courtney explained.
Leif’s devastated mother Leonie Morris said she was still in shock and didn’t want to say much because “it should be about Leif, not us”.
She urged people to calm her son by talking about food if they see him.
“We’ve said he likes chicken and chips because he likes a trip to McDonalds,” she said.
The close-knit Central Coast community has rallied together in a desperate bid to find a the missing autistic teenager in cold and wet weather conditions.
A large-scale operation effort led by NSW Police Rescue, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW SES is underway with more than 150 volunteers.
Polair, the dog squad, marine area command and trail bike operatives have also been engaged.
Trains have been suspended between Gosford and Cowan in both directions as the police operation unfolds. Buses are replacing services between Gosford and Hornsby.
NSW Police Superintendent Kylie Philips said the family advised Leif likes apples and chickens, and his favourite song is Fireflies, and anyone who comes across him is urged to talk about either item to make him feel comfortable.
Police are focusing search efforts on tunnels and caves in the Mooney and Brooklyn area, as well as waterways and going over previous areas searched.
An emergency services source, who did not wish to be named, said Leif recently became fascinated with roads, and efforts were also focused on the M1 Motorway.
Mooney Mooney resident Steve Pearson was among dozens of locals joining the search, taking his boat out on a nearby river to scour bushland in search of Leif.
“Everyone is concerned about this child. There were people out all night. I did hear people were out 20 minutes after he went missing,” Mr Pearson said.
“I did a search through the mangroves because I have a boat out the back.”
Police have serious concerns about Leif’s welfare because he is autistic and non-verbal. Mr Peterson also flagged concerns the cold and wet weather conditions overnight put him at risk.
“I don’t think it’s a good thing to be out in this weather all night in your pyjamas,” he said.
Castle Hill resident and family friend Chris Linardos joined more than 150 local residents who did their part to help with the search effort.
He said he would help for “as long as he can” to find the boy, describing the groundswell of support from the community as inspiring.
“It’s amazing. It’s overwhelming, the fact everyone has come together to find this one boy who must be so lost and scared,” he said.
“People have dropped everything to come and help the family. It’s heartwarming.”
He sent a heartfelt message to the family to remember that the community “is there for you” and are committed to finding Leif.
As the last light draws closer on Thursday, Mr Linardos desperately hopes emergency services can find the teenager before they are forced to call off the search.
“The longer it goes on the harder it is to search because it’s miserable weather and will get dark soon,” he said.
The teenager is described as being of caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, with a slim build and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a grey singlet and shorts, along with sneakers with green laces.
A neighbour of the family said they are absolutely devastated and have been crying all through the night.
One of his teachers said finding the boy was the community’s first priority.
Acting Superintendent Kylie Phillips said the community had rallied to assist.
“Police have serious concerns for Leif not only because of his age but because he is autistic and non-verbal,” Acting Supt Phillips said.
“No one has heard from since he disappeared from home on the Pacific Highway.
“His family are understandably beside themselves.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers 1800 333 000.
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