A family is clinging to hope that their 4-year-old son will be safely returned after he disappeared in the Australian outback.
August “Gus” Lamont went missing around 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 27, after leaving his family’s home in a remote area about 25 miles from Yunta, a town in South Australia, 7NEWS reported.
According to a press release from the South Australia police, Gus is a Caucasian boy with long blonde curly hair. He was last seen wearing a cobalt blue T-shirt with a Minions logo, a grey sunhat, light grey pants, and boots.
Police and search teams have conducted an extensive ground search, using drones, ATVs, trail bikes, dogs, and aerial support. On Monday, Sept. 29, the Water Operations Police and Mounted Operations Unit joined the effort, checking dams and tanks around the property. So far, no traces of Gus have been found.
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Gus’ family released a statement via the SA Police on Tuesday, Sept. 30, saying, “We are devastated by the disappearance of our beloved Gus on Saturday afternoon. This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened.”
They continued, “We miss him more than words can express. Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely.”
The family, who have chosen to remain private and have not released an image of Gus, added that they are “deeply distressed” and asked members of the media not to contact them directly.
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Family friend Bill Harbison also made an emotional public statement on Sept. 30 on behalf of the Lamont family. “It’s a pretty, pretty hard time, hard time for everybody,” Harbison said through tears. “Four days is hard for a 4-year-old.”
According to 7News, police are set to determine how many resources will continue to be deployed in the search on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Anyone with information about Gus’ whereabouts is urged to contact www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1-800-333-000 and quote reference #250513.
