10-year-old boy missing in Utah forest found alive

SALT LAKE CITY -- A 10-year-old boy missing in the Uinta Mountains for nearly 30 hours has been found alive, reports CBS affiliate KUTV.

According to officials, the boy is okay and a small dog is credited for finding his scent and leading rescuers to him.

Malachi Bradley had hiked to Paul Lake with his brother, sister, father and his father's friend when he walked away about 10:30 a.m. Sunday, said Uinta County Sheriff Vance Norton.

KUTV reports that Malachi was fishing with his family and having already caught a fish, was doing some exploring and became lost. When he didn't return after about 30 minutes, his worried father hiked back to the car at Paradise Park Campground in Ashley National Forest, drove to an area with cellphone reception and called 911.

Paul Lake is near the top of a mountain, at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, though the terrain around the lake is relatively flat.

The search started Sunday and resumed Monday morning after an overnight suspension. A Facebook page dedicated to finding Malachi said helicopters equipped with infrared technology to detect body heat were being used in the search as well.

About 80 searchers, an airplane and a helicopter combed the forested terrain. A speaker system also broadcasted calls to the boy, Norton said.

After Malachi was found, he was carried off in a search helicopter by a rescuer who picked him up.

He was greeted by dozens of family members, who held him and rejoiced for his rescue reports KUTV. Malachi said he will be a little more careful next time.

He appeared to be in good shape.