August Beckwith was last seen in the Salt Lake City area nearly a month ago. August is 29 years old and is non verbal due to autism. He ran off while they were attempting to check him into a hospital according to his mother Lori Beckwith, while Austin was having a severe mental health crisis.
KTVX-TV reports that August was spotted by a citizen who recognized him from the local media coverage at a fast food restaurant. They called the police who found him and returned him to his home.
Police believe that for the 24 days August was missing he was kept alive by the homeless community. Lori says “I owe a special debt to the homeless men and women of this city, whose vigilance, and kindness, for August humbled me.” Police say they gave Austin food and blankets, one man even gave him his boots to deal with the cold.
Lori isn't in a financial position to do much but she has donated a dozen or so blankets and will now be volunteering in any free time she has at the homeless shelter. She ended her post of thanks “I hope this incredible story will brighten your spirit in this holiday season and remind you that compassion is a mighty force; let it inspire greater kindness toward those who struggle in the shadows — on our streets, and in our own homes.”
