Mark Alexander Cummings Rogers, a 48-year-old American citizen, and his 13-year-old son went missing from Balneario Camboriu, Brazil on 28/8. Their disappearance was only discovered when the boy's school contacted the police after he failed to attend classes.
Almost a week later, they were found in a remote forest near the Morro do Careca tourist spot, 3,500 km from their home. Rescuers located them using a drone after discovering Rogers' jeep and phone abandoned at the edge of the forest.
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The missing person alert issued by Brazilian police on 28/8 for Mark Alexander Cummings Rogers, 48, and his 13-year-old son. Photo: UOL Noticias |
The missing person alert issued by Brazilian police on 28/8 for Mark Alexander Cummings Rogers, 48, and his 13-year-old son. Photo: UOL Noticias
Police officer Luana Backes reported that the 13-year-old was so famished he "devoured a large piece of bread" upon being rescued. Both father and son were exhausted and hadn't bathed for days.
Rogers explained that he took his son into the forest for a "no-phone trip," inspired by a Discovery Channel survival show where participants live in the wilderness for 21 days without any supplies. They survived by eating wild fruits and cacti, drinking stream water, and sheltering in a makeshift leaf hut.
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Mark Alexander Cummings Rogers, 48, and his 13-year-old son. Photo: CNNBrazil |
Mark Alexander Cummings Rogers, 48, and his 13-year-old son. Photo: CNNBrazil
Rogers' actions have been widely condemned in Brazil as reckless and endangering a minor.
Rogers, who has lived in Brazil for six years, is in custody and charged with child endangerment. If convicted, he faces 1-3 years in prison. His son is currently staying with an acquaintance for his safety.
Minh Phuong
(According to People, NyPost)
