Following a full weekend of intensive searches, six-year-old Oaklynn Schweder, who had been reported missing from the Burns Lake area, was located alive on Sunday.
Her safe return was verified by the RCMP on Sunday night.
“She was found in a forested area previously searched between her residence and the band office, leaving searchers to believe she was likely moving around during the time she was missing,” according to the RCMP.
A child covered in a blanket is being carried by someone toward a waiting car in a Facebook video. Unverified reports on social media from the scene claim that Oaklynn was discovered by a volunteer search team, and she is now being examined at a hospital.
“This is the result that we all hoped for; she went missing for several days, but everyone who searched was committed to getting her home safely,” Burns Lake RCMP detachment commander Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith said. “We are appreciative of all the volunteers and partner agencies that helped us achieve this result by working day and night.”
The last time Oaklynn, a Skin Tyee Nation member, was seen was on Thursday, September 19 at 6 p.m. outside her Southbank residence.
Authorities and locals searched the area in search of the girl, who was said to be non-verbal and autistic. Later on, the Canadian Rangers and search and rescue teams from other towns, including one from Nanaimo, joined the effort. Searchers employed dogs, drones, and helicopters.
