A Utah man with autism, August Beckwith (29), disappeared for 24 days after first going missing on November 17, 2025, before being found alive on December 10. Just days after that emotional reunion, his family reported that he was missing again, with the last confirmed sighting on December 15 in Salt Lake City.
His mother, Lori Beckwith, has repeatedly asked the public for help, explaining that her son is a vulnerable adult who may be unable to reliably seek help or communicate during a crisis—especially during stressful transitions.
Key Facts at a Glance
This case involves two separate missing-person events:
- First disappearance: November 17 → December 10 (approximately 24 days)
- Second disappearance: Last reported sighting on December 15, following a hospital discharge
Timeline: Dates, Places, and Details
| Date (2025) | Event | Location (as reported) | Important details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 17 | First reported missing | Near the University of Utah area | Family began a sustained search after he disappeared. |
| Dec. 10 | Found safe | Apollo Burger, Taylorsville | A person requested a welfare check; police confirmed his identity through fingerprint scanning and reunited him with family. |
| Dec. 15 | Reported missing again | Near State Street & 2nd Avenue, Salt Lake City | Mother reported he had no shoes, no phone, no money, and no credit card. |
| Dec. 15 (later detail) | Disappeared after discharge | Hospital discharge situation | Support was expected but reportedly not present; he ran toward City Creek and moved south from the last sighting near N. Canyon Road and State Street. |
Who Is August Beckwith?
August Beckwith is 29 years old and is described as a man with autism who can experience significant communication challenges. He has been described as non-verbal, and also as previously nonverbal with selective speech that can come and go depending on stress, environment, and feelings of safety.
During the first disappearance, alerts shared publicly described him as experiencing a severe mental-health crisis and psychosis, while emphasizing that he was extremely vulnerable and not a danger to others.
These details matter because a person in crisis may not ask for help in typical ways, may appear confused, and may not be able to explain who they are or where they live.
The First Disappearance: Missing for 24 Days
November 17 to December 10
August was first reported missing on November 17, triggering weeks of searching and repeated public appeals from his family and volunteers.
Found at Apollo Burger in Taylorsville
On December 10, he was located after someone at Apollo Burger in Taylorsville requested a welfare check. Police confirmed his identity using a fingerprint scan and reunited him with his family.
“Small acts of kindness” helped him survive
After he was found, Lori Beckwith publicly thanked volunteers, law enforcement, and especially people experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City, saying they helped keep her son alive by sharing warm layers, boots, and food during freezing conditions.
That detail became one of the most striking parts of the first search: people with the fewest resources were described as among the most compassionate and protective.
The Second Disappearance: Missing Again Days After Being Found
Last seen on December 15
Soon after being found and reunited with family, August went missing again. He was last seen on December 15 near State Street and 2nd Avenue in Salt Lake City.
What he reportedly did not have with him
According to family statements shared publicly, he had:
- No shoes
- No phone
- No money
- No credit card
Disappeared after a hospital discharge
Lori Beckwith said the second disappearance occurred after August was discharged from a hospital. She stated that support was expected at discharge but was not present, and that despite having two friends nearby, he ran away.
She said he ran into City Creek and moved south from the last sighting area near North Canyon Road and State Street.
Clothing description
One report described him as wearing a light blue hoodie at the time he went missing again.
Why Transitions Can Be High-Risk Moments
Mental-health professionals have explained that sudden changes in routine can be especially difficult for some people on the autism spectrum. Transitions such as hospital discharge, environmental shifts, or the loss of familiar structure can trigger intense stress or fear.
This can result in “escape” behavior, which may look like defiance but is actually a response to distress and overload.
Lori Beckwith has emphasized that this situation is not about neglect or carelessness, but about how dangerous transitions can be for someone living with autism alongside trauma or mental-health instability.
What Authorities Said and How the Public Can Help
Salt Lake City police are handling the case and have listed August Beckwith as missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Salt Lake City Police non-emergency at 801-799-3000.
Helpful tips include:
- Exact location and time of any sighting
- Direction of travel (north/south, toward transit, into a canyon or creek area)
- What he was wearing
- Whether he appeared cold, injured, or disoriented
Because August may be unable to communicate clearly, even a brief or uncertain sighting can become a critical lead that helps narrow the search and bring him home safely.
