Teen missing in Highlands found safe, officials say

HIGHLANDS, Texas – 15-year-old Andrew Hays, who went missing in Highlands Thursday was found safe, officials said.  

Investigators said Hays went to the bus stop Thursday morning, but told his friends he wasn’t going to school. 

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When he didn't come home from school around 4 p.m. his mother asked his friends, who said he never got on the bus. 

His father noticed a kayak missing from under their mobile home, investigators said. It’s believed Hays might have taken the kayak to ride on the San Jacinto River.
 
Texas EquuSearch began searching for Hays at daybreak. His kayak was found next to the water, Hays was not initially located.

Hays' 16-year-old sister, Alexys Hays, joined in the search.

"I'd rather find him then someone else," she said.

Officials announced just before 11 a.m. that Hays had been located and he was safe.

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