“Praise the Lord”: Florida Mom Learns Missing Son Was Found Safe During Live News Conference

A Florida mother praised God after learning during a live news conference that her missing 16-year-old son had been found safe by a Good Samaritan.

A Good Samaritan recognized 16-year-old Benjamin Adcock from a photo shared on social media after he had been missing for nearly 48 hours.

A St. Augustine, Florida mother was standing beside a sheriff asking the public to help find her missing teenage son when someone interrupted the live news conference with the answer to her prayers.

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“They found him,” a woman announced from off camera.

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick immediately turned toward Olga Adcock, whose 16-year-old son, Benjamin, had been missing since the weekend.

“They found him? Praise the Lord, oh my soul,” Olga said as she embraced the sheriff. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. God is good.”

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The emotional moment unfolded Monday morning as law enforcement officials, first responders and volunteers prepared to continue their extensive search for Benjamin.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Benjamin had been reported missing Saturday after leaving his home in St. Augustine. The teenager has been diagnosed with mild autism and schizophrenia.

Deputies and partnering agencies searched on foot and deployed K9 teams, drones and helicopters. Civilian volunteers also joined the effort to bring Benjamin home safely.

Then social media helped deliver the breakthrough.

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A Good Samaritan recognized Benjamin from a photo that had been circulated online and contacted authorities. The family brought him inside their home and waited for deputies to arrive.

Benjamin was reportedly found less than a mile from the command post and approximately two miles from where he had last been seen, according to WOKV.

The sheriff’s office said Benjamin was in good health and receiving medical care.

Hardwick became emotional as he announced the outcome to the volunteers and reporters gathered at the news conference.

“Makes you wanna cry,” the sheriff said. “That’s the best outcome that could actually happen right now.”

Cheers erupted when Hardwick told the crowd that he had seen a photograph confirming Benjamin was safe inside the Good Samaritan’s home.

“This is a citizen paying attention,” Hardwick later said, praising the person who recognized Benjamin and called authorities.

The sheriff also recalled something Olga told him after learning that her son had been found.

“She said, ‘I think it was the prayer we did over here with this group behind me.’”

The department said it would help the family explore resources designed to protect people who may be prone to wandering, including Project Lifesaver tracking bracelets and K9 scent kits.

The search demonstrated what can happen when law enforcement, first responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens work together.

It also showed the bright side of social media.

One person saw a missing child’s photograph, paid attention and made the call that helped return a son to his mother.

Praise God, indeed.

Caleb Parke is an award-winning independent journalist and host of “The Good Report” podcast. Follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.