Search continues for missing 17-year-old in Victoria’s east

A mother has described the disappearance of her 17-year-old son in Victoria’s east as one of her worst nightmares, as an extensive police search continues through dense bushland.

William was camping with another teenager in Walhalla East, near Cowwarr, when he walked a short distance to another part of their camp near Stoney Creek Road and T2 Track, but failed to return.

His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, said Will, as he is known as, had little camping experience, was unfamiliar with the area and had a poor sense of direction.

She said her son, who has level two autism and anxiety, would likely be distressed.

Will was last seen wearing only a pair of shorts and work boots. His mobile phone was left at the campsite.

Ms Barkley said he had also left behind an esky containing food and water when he walked back up the track to collect other camping equipment.

Police later found the esky further up the track, but there has been no sign of Will.

Will is about 1.9 metres tall and is fit, prompting his mother to fear he may have travelled a considerable distance since disappearing.

“I’m just really worried. He has been out there for two days. He is probably cold and hungry,” she said.

“I just hope he is curled up somewhere and has gone to sleep. He is a deep sleeper.”

Ms Barkley described the disappearance as “one of her worst nightmares”.

“You don’t know where he is, whether he is still alive, if he is OK. I just want him back home,” she said.

Police seek couple who helped Will’s friend

Acting Superintendent Melanie Hamshere said between 65 and 70 people were involved in the search, with specialist police deployed to the area.

She said Will and his friend had walked down to a camping area after being dropped off by his mother.

He later returned toward the drop-off point to collect the remaining equipment, a walk of about 20 minutes.

Police believe he became disoriented during that trip.

His friend searched for Will before reporting him missing.

During the search an older-style white ute with a canopy stopped to help the friend.

The couple helped collect the camping gear and transport the friend back up the track to meet Ms Barkley.

Police are now urging the pair to come forward as they may have information that could assist the investigation.

Acting Superintendent Hamshere said the esky had been found, but other items were still missing.

She said the surrounding bushland was thick, dense and treacherous.

The search, which began shortly after Will was reported missing, has involved the Police Air Wing, drones, water police, officers on motorbikes, mounted police and the dog squad.

“It’s been quite cold overnight for both nights.”

She said police were concerned about the length of time Will has been missing and the limited clothing he was wearing.

“The longer he is out there the more difficult it is for him.”

Family pleads for information

Ms Barkley said Will was not afraid of approaching people and would likely speak to anyone he encounters.

She described her son as a “good kid” who loved football and soccer.

She said the past few days had been “absolutely horrible”, with little sleep and constant worry about her son.

She said Will was a “mum’s boy” and would be missing his family.

Ms Barkley also urged anyone who had come across camping equipment in the area, including blue or black pillow, a table or and old tackle box to contact police.

“You see these things on the news that happen to other people and you just don’t think it is going to happen to you until it does,” she said.