A mother from Laventille is calling on young people to listen to their parents after her 13-year-old son was lost for two nights in a forested hiking trail. The boy went missing on July 21 while trying to return home via an unfamiliar shortcut. His last known location was reported to be at the top of Hololo, Cascade. According to the fire service, he became lost while attempting to navigate from Cascade to Snake Valley using Google Maps, which led him into a mountainous area.
On July 22, a search team consisting of six fire officers commenced their search at 5 pm, but it was halted around 11:22 pm due to darkness and potential dangers in the area, including trap guns. The following morning, with the help of police drones for aerial surveillance, the teenager was found near Pipiol Road in Upper Santa Cruz around 8 am. Fortunately, he was in good health with only mild dehydration and minor cuts and bruises.
The boy’s mother expressed her trauma and concern for her son’s safety, urging children to act more responsibly, especially considering the rise in reported kidnappings. She emphasized the importance of informing parents about their whereabouts, stating, “Don’t go leaving the house without telling your parents anything, because out here not safe. Just be cautious, take your parent’s advice, listen. Don’t just leave and go on your own because you don’t know what trouble you might bounce up.”
A divisional fire officer also highlighted that this incident is not unique, as they are increasingly encountering difficulties with hikers venturing onto unfamiliar trails without proper guidance. He advised the public to refrain from hiking late in the day as it complicates rescue operations.
