8-Year-Old Boy Rescued Safe After Mysterious Disappearance on Family Hike Near Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — An 8-year-old boy has been safely located after going missing during a visit to Lava River Cave, located north of Flagstaff. According to Coconino County officials, the child was last seen around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday when he wandered away from his family at the cave entrance.

The incident prompted a significant search operation involving local volunteers. Fortunately, the boy was found unharmed the following morning, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Officials from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the agencies and community members who participated in the search efforts. In a related note, this case was separate from another recent incident involving an 8-year-old boy who went missing near the Grand Canyon, who was also found safe.