In 2019, Casey Hathaway, just three years old at the time, vanished while playing at a relative’s house in North Carolina, sparking a frantic search that garnered national attention. Hundreds of volunteers joined in scouring the area for the missing child. Three days later, a neighbor heard cries from the woods, leading to Casey’s discovery tangled in a bush, calling out for his mother. Remarkably, Casey attributed his safety during his ordeal to the presence of a furry companion.
The fear that grips us when we hear of missing children is profound. Knowing they lack the capacity to care for themselves as adults do raises countless worries. Would they know how to seek help? Could they communicate their whereabouts? Are they aware of whom to avoid and who can assist them? Sadly, these concerns often overshadow their young minds.
The anguish experienced by Casey’s family during his disappearance is unimaginable. According to Inside Edition, Casey had been playing outdoors with two other children in Ernul, North Carolina. While the other children returned indoors after playtime, Casey did not. His great-grandmother searched tirelessly for over 45 minutes before alerting authorities.
Days of intensive search efforts ensued before Casey was eventually found safe and unharmed. Chip Hughes, Craven County’s Sheriff, noted that Casey had been ill-prepared for the harsh weather conditions during his disappearance. How he endured the freezing nights remained a mystery until Casey credited the unlikely protection of a friendly bear.
Make sure to watch the entire video at the conclusion of this article.
Following the discovery of Casey’s disappearance, an extensive search operation unfolded to locate the young boy. Divers were deployed, and nearby ponds were thoroughly assessed. As time elapsed, deteriorating weather conditions added urgency to the efforts. CNN reported that state investigators, the US Marine Corps, and the FBI all joined forces to aid in the search.
Eventually, Casey was discovered entangled in briars, but fortunately, he was swiftly freed – and he had an extraordinary tale to recount. The Guardian reported Casey’s assertion that a friendly black bear had provided warmth during the freezing nights he spent missing.
Breanna, Casey’s aunt, who had been updating concerned individuals via her Facebook page throughout the ordeal, was the first to share the news of his discovery. She recounted, “He hung out with a bear for two days… God sent him a friend to keep him safe.”
While bear researcher Chris Servheen expressed uncertainty about the validity of Casey’s story, he hesitated to discount the then-three-year-old’s experience. “I don’t want to cast aspersions on the child, but I think the little boy had a fantasy,” he remarked. “But if the boy felt comfortable under the watch of a wild animal, that’s fine. Whatever helped him get through it.”
Following the incident, Casey received medical attention for minor scratches and malnutrition. His mother expressed profound gratitude for his safe return, stating, “He’s good… He is good.”
A year later, Casey reunited with Hughes, one of the rescuers who assisted in his recovery. Reflecting on the experience, Casey recalled, “The drive was there, by the community, my folks, everyone that came out.”
Put yourself in Casey’s family’s shoes for a moment. Reflect on this remarkable story and share your thoughts with us. Don’t forget to pass this along to your loved ones.
