Young Man with Autism Found After Getting Lost in Freezing Cold

Strangers' quick action and use of drone technology helped locate Jacob Bates, 24, after he went missing for 12 hours in a Texas park

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After 24-year-old Jacob Bates with autism went missing in River Legacy Park in Arlington, Texas, his family called the police and put out a call for volunteers. Two strangers, David Dedwylder and Chance Sauser, joined the search and eventually located Bates using a heat-detecting drone, saving him from the freezing cold temperatures.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of community involvement and the use of technology in search and rescue efforts, especially for vulnerable individuals like those with autism who may become disoriented or lost. It also underscores the kindness of strangers who were willing to go out of their way to help find Bates.

The details

Bates was riding bicycles with his father Scot in the 1,300-acre park when he briefly got separated. After an hour of searching, the family called the police, who began searching on foot, with drones, and even a helicopter. When initial efforts didn't turn up any leads, officials put out a call for volunteers. That's when Dedwylder, a local real estate agent and outdoorsman, reached out to Sauser, who owns a drone company, for help. Sauser drove 90 minutes to the park and used his heat-detecting drone to locate Bates, who was found cold but unharmed after being missing for nearly 12 hours.

  • On Monday, February 23, 2026, Jacob Bates went missing in River Legacy Park around 6 p.m. local time.
  • The police were called around 6:42 p.m. local time and began searching the park.
  • Dedwylder and Sauser joined the search effort around 1:40 a.m. local time.
  • Sauser located Bates using his drone around 2 a.m. local time.

The players

Jacob Bates

A 24-year-old man with autism who went missing in River Legacy Park.

Scot Bates

Jacob Bates' father, who was with him when he went missing.

David Dedwylder

A local real estate agent and outdoorsman who joined the search effort and connected with Chance Sauser to use a drone.

Chance Sauser

The owner of a drone company who drove 90 minutes to the park and used his heat-detecting drone to locate Jacob Bates.

Tim Gundlach

Jacob Bates' uncle, who helped get Bates to safety after he was located.

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What they’re saying

“We feel like it's a miracle. These guys don't know us from Adam, but what they did made the difference.”

— Tim Gundlach, Jacob Bates' uncle (People)

“He said I think you might be this kid's only hope. And I was like, man, when you put it like that, I've got to come, right?”

— Chance Sauser, Drone company owner (People)

“The story of Jacob is one that will stick with me forever. It's crazy what you run across in life, and this says you're here for a reason.”

— David Dedwylder, Real estate agent and outdoorsman (People)

What’s next

The Bates family plans to hold a community event to thank the volunteers and first responders who helped find Jacob.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of community, technology, and the kindness of strangers in helping to save a vulnerable individual. It serves as an inspiring reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference in someone's life, even if we don't know them.