April 2018 would be a year to remember as six-year-old Kaydon went missing without a trace. Reports are that the bit was playing in the yard with the family dog when all of a sudden, he was out of sight, and no one knew where he was. The family and the authorities whom they contacted had no idea what they would meet upon when they were to find him.
Missing Boy Located 22 Hours Later But He Wasnt Alone
Worried
The family lived in Blount County, Tennessee, a small community known as Top of the World. Kaydon’s parents normally let him play in the yard under the guidance that he wouldn’t go too far out. However, on April 23rd, 2018, something happened where Kaydon was not in the yard, not in the house. He was missing.
Worried
Didn’t Return
Kaydon’s parents were extremely worried when their son was not home by 6 pm, a time he would usually be in. They were pretty sure he had a wonderful time outdoors, but when they didn’t see him around in the evening, it was no longer fun but became a scare.
Didnt Return
A Nice Kid
He could be considered a good child who loves adventure and life to be free outdoors. He would always be around his pets, especially his terrier, Chula. Like many other kids his age, Kaydon Leach is always in the mood to investigate and go deeper.
A Nice Kid
Not Taking Chances
When they didn’t see him in the yard, they thought he was simply in the house. However, after a quick search yielded no positive results, they contacted the county sheriff, James Lee Berrong. As for the community, everyone knew each other because it was relatively small.
Not Taking Chances
A Terrible Dream
The community was not letting their guard up, seeing the child was not home, and it was getting pretty dark. Also, his parents confirmed he didn’t have a coat with him, and the night was blowing chilly. It is a devastating feeling for any parent to know your child is missing.
A Terrible Dream
Responsible Child
Ideas started floating around as to where he could be. They wondered if he was with friends and didn’t realize the time was passing by or got lost while heading home. He was quite responsible, so they suspected those could not be the truth.
Responsible Child
Missing
It is imminent any parent would want to protect their child at all costs, and so when this reality hit them, it became a frightening experience for the parents. For Kaydon Leach’s parents, they were overly concerned and worried.
Missing
Having Regrets
They were puzzled as to why their son would be missing that way and without a trace. Their only mission now was to get him safely home. As they pondered where to start, they started regretting allowing him to play on the outside.
Having Regrets
A Bad Inner Feeling
They couldn’t pinpoint what was going on, but they had an inner feeling that something was going on where their child was concerned. There were so many questions…where was he? Was he okay? Would they find him, and if so, when?
A Bad Inner Feeling
Not Knowing Where to Start
So many questions were going around in their minds, and while trying to stay positive, the negative feelings just kept popping up. We can just imagine him being in some kind of trouble and his parents not being able to help him. It was a terrible feeling.
Not Knowing Where To Start
No Time Wasting
After getting the alert, the Sheriff knew he didn’t have much time to lose, and so had to get all the people together to start their search. He started reaching out for help just a few minutes after getting the report.
No Time Wasting
24-Hour Policy
Generally, there is a wait time of 24 hours before one can file a missing person report. However, where Kaydon was concerned, they didn’t wait as seeing the community is close-knit, they had to get on it right away.
24 Hour Policy
Being Positive
The environment is usually on the cooler side, and being out at night can be a little bit cold. This caused a lot of worry and concern for the Leach’s as their son was thin and didn’t have much flesh or a coat to help keep him warm.
Being Positive
Relief on the Way
The Sheriff knew he couldn’t present doom before giving it a shot, and as such, he went about his mission immediately. In trying to curve the worry of the parents and other community members, he gave them his reassurance that everything will be okay. The hunt for the missing boy was on the way.
Relief On The Way
Kaydon’s Profile
At around 7 pm the same day, a missing child alert was issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which gave a detailed description of Kaydon according to information it received from the local Sheriff’s Office.
Kaydons Profile
Home Safe
The issue implored the entire community to help search for the boy as he went missing around an hour earlier than the released report. They all set out to help with the search so they could bring Kaydon safely home.
Home Safe
Describing Kaydon
The description given by the parents noted he was an average of 4 feet tall and weighing about 60 pounds (27kg). He sported brown eyes, brown hair, and was wearing a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants and slip-on shoes. At least, his clothes could help identify him by the least.
Describing Kaydon
The Search Began
After getting the call from the parents, Sheriff Berrong went about rallying the search party immediately. Before long, the local sheriff’s office and a Blackhawk helicopter, sent by the McGhee Tyson Airbase, were on the hunt for the missing boy.
The Search Began
Searching Everywhere
In addition to the helicopter searching from above, there was also a ground team of about 100 first responders who were on foot covering over 2,000 acres of mountainous regions. They were very vigilant in their search seeing it was night.
Searching Everywhere
The Search Continued
As the team was searching, they were wondering if they would be able to find him before it got darker into the night. Members of the local community were also in the mission as they started their little search with the first responders.
The Search Continued
All-Night Search
A spokeswoman for the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Marian O’Briant, told WVLT News that the team would continue to search throughout the night to find the boy if it called for that extent. They would not give up as the search team had ramped up their searching tactics.
All Night Search
Strategized Searching
The search party consisted of the Tennessee Bureau of Information (TBI), Blount County Search and Rescue Team, Blount County Chief Deputy Jeff French, Blount County Fire Department, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Department. They decided to conduct their mission in grid searches.
Strategized Searching
A United Community
After news of Kaydon circulated throughout the community, everyone became alert and vigilant in starting their search. An Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) sent out a broadcast within hours to get the members moving.
A United Community
All Eyes and Ears Open
Everyone was alert, including the Blount County Emergency Services, who kept everyone updated on all the developing details about the search. Everyone was on the lookout for any signs that could help them gain victory in their mission.
All Eyes And Ears Open
Loving Community
When the message was first broadcasted, the entire community showed concern as a child’s life was potentially in danger. They knew they had to do something because they too had children and grandchildren, so they knew what the parents might have been going through.
Loving Community
Coming Together
In addition to the message that was sent out by IPAWS, there were also other alerts coming through on an emergency app called Next Door, which helps to provide emergency updates within communities. The members were all informed and were on the task of finding Kaydon.
Coming Together
News Coverage
A lot of people could not directly help with the search, but that didn’t stop them from sharing the message and keeping close contact for any new details. A search volunteer told WVLT that the community is very close, and they try to look out for each other as best as possible.
News Coverage
News of the Missing Boy
The volunteer further told the News station that they were heading in from work when they got the call about the child. They noted they didn’t go home but went straight to where the search party was and put in their bit to help.
News Of The Missing Boy
Lending a Helping Hand
One resident, Megan Kessler, heard the story, and though she couldn’t physically go out with the search team, she did her part in helping. She prepared food and water for the search team so they would have enough energy to continue until the child was found.
Lending A Helping Hand
Offering Needed Supplies
Kessler told WVLT that she assumed it would be a very long night of searching, so she prepared coffee, chili, and other stuff they would need to help them to keep going. The search party didn’t want to endanger the residents, so they didn’t allow some of them to leave their homes. As such, those community members came together to do what they could to contribute.
Offering Needed Supplies
Going Viral
Going Viral
Everyone was concerned, so they continued to spread the news across different mediums. The Tennessee Endangered Child Alert made a post on Facebook with a picture of Kaydon and a short description and what was happening. The news started to spread across different groups and pages slowly.
Media’s Strengths
Shortly after a few updates were given, the post was shared over 2,000 times and with more than 300 reactions. The entire community was behind Kaydon’s parents, and the search team and the news continued to circulate with great speed.
Medias Strengths
Time Moving Fast
As the search continued, they were becoming more worried as their search was not yielding any positive results. It was already dark and cold, and from the look of things, Kaydon was nowhere in sight.
Time Moving Fast
Heightened Worries
Heightened Worries
After searching for a long while with no results, they started to worry as they felt the boy could suffer from a respiratory infection if he were not located soon. They knew they had to heighten their search mission.
Urgent Search
The clothes he was wearing at the time he went missing were not warm enough for the weather that was going on and was bad enough to hurt him – even fatally. This new reality made the team ramp up its search mission and even involved more people.
Urgent Search
Volunteeris Help Bring Kaydon Home
For the next few hours, the search went on with an extensive force and included areas leading up to half-mile away from his home. However, they would have to wait until morning before they could go to a wider radius as it was a mountainous area.
Volunteeris Help Bring Kaydon Home
Hanging Onto Hope
Of course, Kaydon’s parents were not at ease seeing their son could not be found. The feelings of fright, nervousness, and guilt were swirling all through their minds as they wished they didn’t let him go outside to play. The search went on, and as it did, they would later find out their son was safe but not alone.
Hanging Onto Hope
A Community that Sticks Together
Kaydon’s parents or the search team were not alone as the community members stayed up all night in a show of support for finding the young boy. They ensured the search team had energy snacks and something hot to keep them going in their search for Kaydon.
A Community That Sticks Together
Determined to Find Him
Even though they couldn’t locate him right away, they knew he was somewhere out there and staying focused was the only way they could find him. They were determined to find the boy at all costs, and they would not stop until he was home safely. Giving up was not an option.
Determined To Find Him
Morning Peeked In
As the new day started to dawn, the search became a little easier as they were now able to move about freely and see where they were going. However, it was not all smooth in the search still as they remained faithful in their search for Kaydon.
Morning Peeked In
Time Going By
With each passing minute, the team came up with new search ideas on where to search next. Time was going by fast, and finding the boy would have to be very soon. His parents, like everyone else, just imagined how scared, afraid, and hungry he must have been. They were all praying he was okay wherever he was.
Time Going By
Doing Everything
The search team covered every possible track to include even the lake just in case he may have fallen in and drowned. They didn’t find him there. As the team was on foot going around, the helicopter was in the air doing their surveillance.
Doing Everything
Going Everywhere
When the team left the lake, they went along the mountainsides to include some abandoned buildings that were located around the area. They assumed he might have stopped in one of those buildings to shelter from the cold, but he was not there, so they had to keep going.
Going Everywhere
Still Not Found
There was still no sign of Kaydon even after going hours through the morning. The Leaches were wondering where he could have gone or what he could have been up to that they were not able to think about. But, that was a little strange for kids in that community.
Still Not Found
Not Understanding
It was all strange to Kaydon’s parents that he could even go missing as he was aware of the limits he could go to and what his curfew time was. They were sure that something was behind everything, and his disappearance was not as simple as it looked.
Not Understanding
Thinking Beyond Limit
Throughout the search, the team had to think outside of the box and like a six-year-old. This would help them to understand where he could have gone while paying. They decided to search various places they never thought should be on their list.
Thinking Beyond Limit
Getting Close
Their search led them through deep-wooded areas and empty buildings. They didn’t know what to think anymore, but they were getting closer to the boy. The feeling like they were on to something was going on in their heart.
Getting Close
In the Woods
The search team scoured all through the woods that surrounded the community. They were sure if the boy was not in this area, then they don’t know where he could be.
In The Woods
A Mumbling
It was now afternoon, and the team knew they had to ramp up their search before night came once more. It was going so fast on the clock, and as they continued, they heard a little noise coming from the woods, and it caught their attention.
A Mumbling
A Growling Sound
Twenty-two hours after Kaydon went missing, the team finally had a little lead into something great. They heard a little growl in the woods, and as they made a closer approach, the growling got louder and heavier.
A Growling Sound
It Was an Animal, but What Kind?
They were not sure what they would see when they would finally connect with the sound. They got closer to the sound. It sounded much like a dog, so they knew they had to investigate. But, seeing they were in the woods, anything could be possible.
It Was An Animal But What Kind
Finally Found
As the search team and volunteers were going closer to the sound, they spotted Kaydon. They were just about half a mile from the child’s home, meaning he didn’t go too far the previous night.
Finally Found
Who was With Him?
The boy got scared along the way and probably wanted to stay in position. It turned out when they found Kaydon, he was not alone and had company the whole time he was missing.
Who Was With Him
Kaydon’s Protector
Kaydon was found around 3:30 pm the following day after being missing for 22 hours. When the boy was found, there was a sound…the growling animal. It turned out he was in the company of his pet – Chula.
Kaydons Protector
Chula Protected Him
Jeff FRench, BCSO’s Chief Deputy, said Chula growled at the rescuers when they came close to Kaydon. She was only trying to protect him. Chula had worked overtime in protecting Kaydon throughout the entire night.
Chula Protected Him
Needed Medical Assistance
When the team found Kaydon, he was not in the best shape, and after asking how he was and how he was feeling…he said very cold. After all, he was only wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants on an extremely cold night. His skin had a purple look, and it was evident he was cold.
Needed Medical Assistance
Getting Help
They got closer to Kaydon and asked him where he lived, and he gave them the address. They assured him they were taking him to safety but had to seek medical aid for him. Also, they were taking care of the dog.
Getting Help
Relieved
Before going home with the boy, the search team took him to Blount Medical Hospital, where they did an assessment on him and also evaluated his condition. They didn’t want to risk him having a medical condition like hypothermia or other similar condition, so they kept him before sending him home.
Relieved
Unbelievable News
Kaydon’s family was super excited that he was found, and they couldn’t even believe it. They were so happy, especially with Chula, for being so brave and surviving the entire ordeal. The whole scenario sounded like a movie or a story from a book.
Unbelievable News
Statement Release
While Kaydon was at the hospital, a statement was released by his family about the victory in finding their son. There were no initial updates about his health or condition about the dog or even what led to the disappearance. But, the family was glad he was found and was grateful for the support they received from everyone, from the search team to those who shared the news online.
Statement Release
A Thank You Message
The Leaches noted their gratitude to everyone who made an effort to ensure her son was brought home safely, She thanked the law enforcement team, the volunteers and community members who were out there on the mission. They noted the support was so much and beyond what they expected and was appreciative of everyone. They also asked for a little privacy as they wanted to get their son settled in.
A Thank You Message
Online Celebration
Everyone who saw the update was super happy and excited that Kaydon was home safely. Social media and other media outlets erupted into joy. One commenter noted how happy they were that he was found safe.
Online Celebration
Outpouring of Support
A lot of people commented on the post across social media, and one person noted Kaydon was on his mind the entire time he was not at home. He said it was something he could tell his grandkids, and he was thankful to God. The support continued…
Outpouring Of Support
A Thankful Family
The community spent 22 hours searching for Kaydon, and it was not an easy task to deal with. But, they were happy their search was fruitful, and the child was home safely. To be found with his dog, it was a piece of extremely happy news for everyone who was involved.
A Thankful Family
From Worry to Peace
The fact that Kaydon was not alone during the night was a point of relief for many who were following the search and updates. The Top of the World community went through a tough piece with lots of emotions going around. It was a case of going from worry to inner peace.
From Worry To Peace
Emotional Experience
Everyone involved in the search had their children on their minds, so they knew what it must have been for the parents. This was the leading point for many of them to join the search mission. It was a happy and emotional moment for the entire county when they heard that Kaydon was found.
Emotional Experience
Home and Safe
They were all praying and hoping the boy would return home safely, so hearing everyone welcomed the news of his discovery, and the nightmare they experienced was over. A lot of news channels broadcasted the story.
Home And Safe
Thankful
The County Sheriff was really happy that the boy was found, and while he was thanking everyone for the role they played, it turned into an emotional period for him. He showed his utmost gratitude to everyone who braved the weather and the dark to search for the child for over 20 hours.
Thankful
A Team Effort
The Sheriff was also grateful for the teamwork that was put into the search mission. He highlighted the team from the TBI, FBI, the county’s fire department, the rescue squad, and the other departments that stepped up. He noted the mission would not have been successful if they were not on board.
A Team Effort
Hero Dog
In addition to all the teams getting their gratitude remarks, another deserved a big thank you and some treats. Chula was Kaydon’s pet, who stayed with him throughout the night. A big thanks to the Sheriff’s deputy officer, Daniel Self, who helped Chula back to safety.
Hero Dog
Super Dog
Daniel took the dog with him to ensure she was safe as they returned to the mainland to have the child checked out. He gave her food and water. Everyone was pleased with the actions of the dog staying by Kaydon’s side throughout the whole ordeal.
Super Dog
Act of Heroism
It is always said a dog is a man’s best friend, and this was showcased in the case of Chula and Kaydon, especially during this trying time. Chula portrays a heroic act in keeping his friend safe and not leaving his side for a minute. We are sure Chula was one of the main reasons Kaydon was able to make it through the night.
Act Of Heroism
Happy Feeling
This Tennessee community was living up to the name “Top of the World” when Kaydon and Chula were found alive and well. The moment he was found, everything went up in joy and excitement.
Happy Feeling
Back Home
This is never an easy feeling whether you have a child or not, but when an amazing community like this one surrounds you, you are sure to feel the love and support you never imagined. We are sure it was a lot easier for the parents to handle the love and care the community showed them.
Back Home
A Good Boy
Pets are a critical part of our lives, and they love and care for us in unconditional ways. We are sure if Chula was not by Kaydon’s side that night, the story would have ended differently.
A Good Boy