Update
Local 3 news was exclusively on the scene when word came down that 8-year-old Nante Niemi was found safe, 2 miles from his family’s campsite in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The family and friends of the young boy were overcome with relief, and gratitude for the army of more than 150 volunteers who were searching the area in a very remote part of the State Park, where there was no cellular phone service. The second grader disappeared around 1:00 p.m. ET Saturday. After more than 48 hours alone in the heavily wooded area, he was found in his makeshift shelter under a large log. The 8-year-old was wearing only a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and rubber boots, and although he braved 2 nights in the wilderness, he was found in relatively good shape. Family members broke into tears of joy and hugs as they learned of the good news.
Original Story
ONTONAGON, Mich. (WJMN) – Days of searching have come to a happy end as Michigan State Police (MSP) confirms that a missing 8-year-old boy from Wisconsin has been found, is safe, and has been reunited with his family.
According to MSP, a volunteer found him under or near a log. He had stayed in one place since he was reported missing on Saturday. He was about two miles from the family campsite. MSP said he appears to be in good health.
Since the boy has been found and the search is over, we have removed his name from this article.
The search began on Saturday afternoon after authorities say he went out collecting firewood while camping with his family and never returned.
The Hurley School District in Wisconsin, identified through a post on Facebook that the boy is from that area. The Hurley School District also shared the following photos taken shortly after the boy was found.
MSP called in more than 150 search and rescue personnel from the State Police and other agencies. They canvassed a roughly 40-square mile area from Saturday through early Monday afternoon.
The remote, hilly terrain and seasonal roads with remaining snow made the search difficult.
MSP said there was an outpouring of support of people offering to help in the search, but asked people to remain away from the area during their search.
