Inside William Callaghan’s ‘emotional’ reunion with stepdad Nathan Ezard
William Callaghan’s stepfather has described the 46 hours the autistic teen was missing in the bush as “excruciating” — and revealed losing the 14-year-old who loves to run is one of his greatest fears.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
William Callaghan’s stepfather has described the 46 hours the autistic teen was missing in the bush as “excruciating” for the family.
Stepfather Nathan Ezard says losing 14-year-old William – a non-verbal autistic teen who loves to run – is one of his greatest fears.
“The time up there was excruciating,” Mr Ezard said of the three days at Mt Disappointment.
“I thought he was going to be found in ten minutes.
“It was very emotional. We love everything about Will.”
Mr Ezard said it was unbelievable when the news filtered through that a volunteer had found William not far from where he was last seen.
They rushed up to the spot in their 4WD when they were reunited with their boy about 12.30pm on Wednesday, close to two days after he went missing.
“I was stunned, I didn’t react,” he told the Today show.
“We were really just a mode where we were wanting to get back down there and be there for Will. We didn’t want to leave his side at that point.”
William was camping with his father Phil and his younger brother Robin at the time he ran off into the bush.
“One of our biggest fears is that he’ll go missing on our watch,” Mr Ezard said.
“It is any dad’s worst fear to lose a child in the bush.”
He said Will had “bounced back amazingly” after his adventure and the first thing he did when he got home from hospital was to take off his shoes and play on his swing set.
“He is a little angel, he was sent from heaven,” Mr Ezard said of his stepson.
“Will has come out of this experience with a few cuts and bruises on the bottom of his feet, surprisingly few for a kid who wandered around for two days in the bush.
“It is such a pleasure to be a part of his life. It’s an honour to be part of his existence.”
Mr Ezard described William’s rescuer Ben Gibbs as an “amazing man”.
“Ben is the perfect person for everyone that was up there,” he said.
“You took the time to listen to what was said. The fact he let you carry him, Will doesn’t like being touched.
“Ben seems like an amazing man, we really appreciate it.”
MORE NEWS
HERO BUSHMAN REFLECTS ON WILLIAM CALLAGHAN’S MIRACLE RESCUE
DISAPPEARANCE OF BOY TRIGGERS HARROWING FLASHBACK FOR FAMILY