Missing St. Francois County Boy Found

St. Francois County, Mo. (KFMO) - After a long four-day search, missing teenager Dakota Trenkle Jr. has been found alive in Goose Creek, in northern St. Francois County. Authorities confirmed that Dakota was discovered just before noon on Wednesday after an extensive multi-agency effort and overwhelming community support.

Earlier in the day, investigators located Dakota’s skateboard approximately half a mile from his home. This key piece of evidence led St. Francois County detectives to request the assistance of the Farmington Correctional Center K-9 Unit.

K-9 “Darrell” successfully tracked Dakota’s scent through difficult terrain, including dense vegetation and steep slopes. The 13-year-old was found at the bottom of a ravine, lying in a wet creek with about one foot of water. He was 540 yards from where his skateboard was found, with a 240-foot elevation change between the two points.

Trenkle had suffered a traumatic leg injury and survived approximately 96 hours outdoors without food or water. Due to his serious condition, he was airlifted by ARCH helicopter to a hospital in the St. Louis area for emergency treatment.

While no signs of foul play have been found and the incident appears to be accidental, the investigation remains open.

Authorities thanked everyone involved in the search and rescue, including Goose Creek Security and Fire Department, the FCC K-9 Unit, St. Francois County Ambulance District, ARCH Medical, and the many volunteers who helped search the area.