Three-year-old Casey Hathaway disappeared in the small town of Ernul, North Carolina, after heading outside to play with friends. When he didn’t return, his family became worried, especially as temperatures started to drop.
A large search was quickly underway, with drones and aircraft scanning the area, but worsening weather forced volunteers to pause their efforts for safety.
Hours later, faint cries were finally heard, leading rescuers to find Casey tangled in thick bushes—cold, wet, with only a few scratches, yet otherwise safe.
Casey had an unusual story to share. He said a “bear friend” had stayed by his side, keeping him warm and watching over him in the woods. His family, touched by the story, felt his survival was nothing short of miraculous.
Reflecting on the search, Sheriff Chip Hughes noted that Casey had somehow crossed through a cold, shoulder-deep stretch of water to reach the spot where he was found—a remarkable feat for such a young child.
Many now wonder if Casey’s “bear friend” was a real black bear, as they are common in the area and typically avoid humans, adding a touch of mystery to his story of resilience.
