ERNUL, N.C. (WNCT) – Missing three-year-old Casey Hathaway has been found alive and is in good spirits.
According to Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes, Casey said he spent two days hanging out with a bear.
Hathaway was taken to CarolinaEast Medical Center and is expected to be released Friday or Saturday.
CarolinaEast Medical Center public relations director Megan McGarvey said Hathaway is in good condition.
“When he saw his little sister, had a big smile on his face,” Hughes said.
“I think he’s doing pretty good,” Hughes added.
The family is asking for privacy during this time.
The toddler was found off Aurora Road, close to the intersection with Toler Road.
Chocowinity EMS Cpt. Shane Grier was responding to a tip when he heard the boy.
Grier disentangled Casey from some briars and brought him out of the woods.
At a news conference late Thursday night, his parents expressed their gratitude for everyone who helped.
“We just want to tell everybody that we’re very thankful that you took the time out to come search for Casey and prayed for him, and he’s good,” said his mother, Brittany Hathaway. “He is good, he is up and talking. He’s already asked to watch Netflix so he’s good, He is good.”
Casey went missing Tuesday afternoon from a home on Toler Road in the town of Ernul, which is located in Craven County
His grandmother was inside the home while Casey and two other children played outside.
When the two other kids came in, Casey stayed out.
They looked for about 45 minutes before calling 911.
You can listen to the call here.
Since then, numerous law enforcement agencies, as well as hundreds of volunteers, had been on the lookout for the child.
