Missing non-verbal Manitoulin Island man with autism rescued

A non-verbal Manitoulin Island man with autism was reunited with his family after a large and frantic overnight search involving a police dog and helicopter in below-freezing weather.

Kaelan Shawana, a 24-year-old non-verbal man with autism, is reunited with family after going missing Monday night on Manitoulin Island. March 12/24 (Robbie Shawana)

Kaelan Shawana, 24, went missing Monday night in the Manitowaning area wearing an orange, short-sleeved shirt and no jacket.

More than 30 officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and community volunteers searched the area, OPP said on social media.

Drones were also used in the search.

Police K9 Dance and handler Const. Barry Kelly tracked Kaelan 22 kilometres before he was found by an OPP helicopter in Mosquito Bay on the shores of Lake Manitou.

Police dog Dance tracked missing Manitoulin Island man 22 km with handler Const. Barry Kelly. March 12/24 (Ontario Provincial Police)

"He was walking around all night in below-freezing weather wearing only a golf shirt, jogging pants and rubber boots," his father Robbie said in an update on social media.

Kaelan Shawana, 24, and two family members walk down a Manitoulin Island road after he was rescued by an Ontario Provincial Police helicopter. March 12/24 (Robbie Shawana)

"Kaelan had his rubber boots full of water and he was also wet from head to toe. He had scrapes, cuts and bruises all over his neck, arms, legs and torso."

The Township of Assiginack said the missing man was found and seen hugging his family shortly before 1 p.m. March 12.

"Based on how long the K9 unit was tracking him, he walked at least 22 km throughout the night," Robbie said.

"At home, he was shaking uncontrollably as he was hyperthermic. We immediately took off his boots (which were soaked), and all his wet clothing."

Kaelan Shawana, 24, bundled up at home after spending the night wandering around Manitoulin Island after going missing Monday. March 12/24 (Robbie Shawana)

Kaelan was taken to the hospital and checked out by a doctor.

"The doctor was happy that his heartbeat was strong and his skin colour was going back to normal," Robbie said.

"The past 18 hours were very overwhelming! I was hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst."

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He expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped and offered support in their time of need in a post on social media.

"Thank you to the Manitoulin OPP, ERT, K9 units, MNR, Wiikwemkoong for the support and use of their drones, Redrum MC Spirit Island, our Manitoulin Special Olympics family, the Township of Assiginack, Locobeanz Manitowaning for the pizzas and to all our family and friends who came to provide comfort, food, beverages, support, and to help look for Kaelan," Robbie said.

"Also to the Wiikwemkoong communication department, Mandy for spreading the word. Also for the Wiikwemkoong Crisis Team for their support. There are just too many names to list but we would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts."