Lost six-year-old Oaklynn found in BC forest after three days

A six-year-old girl named Oaklynn Schweder, who is non-verbal and autistic, was found after being lost in a forest in British Columbia for three days. She was last seen outside her home on September 19 at 6 PM, prompting a large-scale search operation involving drones, helicopters, and police dogs. The search began on Friday night and included over 600 volunteers, local police, and the British Columbia Wildlife Service, all working tirelessly to locate her. Oaklynn's family reported that she enjoys crawling into small spaces, which may have contributed to her movement during the time she was missing. On Sunday evening, she was discovered in a forested area between her home and the Skin Tyee Nation Band Office. The emotional reunion was captured on video, showing her parents joyfully embracing her as she cried out. Despite being lost for three days, Oaklynn did not appear to have any visible injuries but was taken to Burns Lake Hospital for a medical evaluation. The community played a crucial role in the search, providing food, shelter, and support to volunteers. The Skin Tyee First Nation Band helped coordinate these efforts, demonstrating a strong sense of community solidarity. Following her rescue, Oaklynn's parents expressed immense gratitude for the support they received during the ordeal. They shared their relief and happiness at having their daughter back home, with plans for a significant birthday celebration to honor her return. This incident highlights the importance of community involvement in emergency situations and the emotional impact of such experiences on families.