# Rescued teenager survived six days lost in the bush on rationed snack – as he enjoys his favourite McDonald’s meal after his emotional reunion with his mum

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/rescued-teenager-survived-six-days-lost-in-the-bush-on-rationed-snack-as-he-enjoys-his-favourite-mcdonalds-meal-after-his-emotional-reunion-with-his-mum/
- Published: 2026-11-13T01:05:53+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T01:18:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16288741/teenager-william-survives-victorian-bush-crisps-mcdonalds.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- William was found alive after six days in the Victorian bush.
- He rationed crisps and drank creek water to survive.
- His mother brought his favourite McDonald’s meal to hospital.

## Summary

Seventeen-year-old William survived six days alone in rugged bushland near Walhalla East, about 180km east of Melbourne, after becoming lost near his campsite. His rescue by police helicopter ended an extensive search and brought an emotional reunion with his mother.

William said he fell down a steep embankment into a riverbed and rationed a family-sized packet of chicken-flavoured crisps over two days, while drinking creek water. He faced cold nights, rain and hot days, with temperatures reportedly falling to 3C; he had no phone and was wearing shorts and work boots. His mother said he has level two autism and needs substantial support. Doctors monitored him in hospital after the rescue, delaying his mother’s planned treat of a Quarter Pounder with bacon, a cheeseburger and six Chicken McNuggets.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.