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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The father of a 28-year-old autistic man who barely survived three weeks in remote southern Utah says his son was an experienced mountaineer but was out of his element in the harsh desert.
John LaFever said Friday that his son William made one crucial mistake: setting off for a 150-mile journey along the wild Escalante River without food or equipment that was apparently stolen before his trip got under way.
"He didn't realize how arduous his journey would be," LaFever told The Associated Press. "We didn't know what he was heading into, either. Thank God he's alive."............
William LaFever is being treated for starvation and dehydration at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, his father said............
He traveled about 50 miles over at least three weeks before he was found Thursday by a Utah Highway Patrol helicopter..........
Jennings said her son believes he is an American Indian and recently gave up his Colorado Springs apartment and sold many of his possessions to go to the Utah desert.............
The pilot said he believes LaFever's mental condition allowed him to look at the situation different than an average person.
"It was a spiritual experience for him," Oldfield said. "He viewed it as a positive, life-changing event. He felt the desert was calling him. That's why he went on the trip in the first place.
"I think he's lucky to be alive," the pilot added.
More at link.....
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The father of a 28-year-old autistic man who barely survived three weeks in remote southern Utah says his son was an experienced mountaineer but was out of his element in the harsh desert.
John LaFever said Friday that his son William made one crucial mistake: setting off for a 150-mile journey along the wild Escalante River without food or equipment that was apparently stolen before his trip got under way.
"He didn't realize how arduous his journey would be," LaFever told The Associated Press. "We didn't know what he was heading into, either. Thank God he's alive."............
William LaFever is being treated for starvation and dehydration at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, his father said............
He traveled about 50 miles over at least three weeks before he was found Thursday by a Utah Highway Patrol helicopter..........
Jennings said her son believes he is an American Indian and recently gave up his Colorado Springs apartment and sold many of his possessions to go to the Utah desert.............
The pilot said he believes LaFever's mental condition allowed him to look at the situation different than an average person.
"It was a spiritual experience for him," Oldfield said. "He viewed it as a positive, life-changing event. He felt the desert was calling him. That's why he went on the trip in the first place.
"I think he's lucky to be alive," the pilot added.
More at link.....