An autistic Utah student who vanished for almost a month has been safely reunited with his family—thanks to the compassion and vigilance of the local homeless community, according to his mother.
Who Is August Beckwith?
August Beckwith, 29, is a nonverbal adult on the autism spectrum who previously attended the University of Utah for about one semester. His mother, Lori, reported him missing after he disappeared on November 17 near the university campus.
At the time of his disappearance, August had no coat, no phone, and no money, and was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and psychosis, as stated in a search flyer shared by Lori.
How Long Was He Missing?
August was missing for 24 days, a period his mother described as weeks of intense hardship and uncertainty. During this time, he survived on the streets while vulnerable to cold weather and ongoing mental health challenges.
Where Was He Found?
On Wednesday night, August was located in Taylorsville, a suburb approximately 11 miles from Salt Lake City, according to reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune. He was then safely returned to his mother.
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed on Wednesday that August had been found.
The Role of the Homeless Community
In an emotional Facebook post, Lori credited homeless men and women in the area with keeping her son safe throughout his ordeal.
“I owe a special debt to the homeless men and women of this city, whose vigilance, kindness, and relentless search for August humbled me,” she wrote.
She emphasized that August was protected by people “with the least to give,” highlighting how strangers stepped up when he needed help the most.
Acts of Kindness That Saved His Life
Lori also thanked the individual—or individuals—who ensured August had the essentials to survive winter conditions.
“To the person or people who gave him layers of warm clothing, boots, and food: you kept him alive. I will never forget it.”
These acts of kindness proved critical, especially given August’s vulnerability and inability to communicate verbally.
