Toddlers are terrifyingly good escape artists. The fact that a missing toddler could happen to anyone is so scary. Currently, an Australian family is grappling with that sad reality. August “Gus” Lamont, 4, has been missing since September 27, 2025. After nearly a week, his family has released the first public photo of him as authorities admit they’re entering the “recovery” phase of their hunt.
Yorke Mid North Superintendent Mark Syrus is “gravely” concerned about the young boy.
“A 4-year-old doesn’t disappear into thin air, he has to be somewhere,” he said, according to the Daily Mail. “‘Hopefully he’s hanging in there alive, but we are now in recovery phase, and the fact he’s been gone over 100 hours and six days, that’s a long time to be out in the elements. We always believe Gus is a tough little country lad, he may be curled up under a bush somewhere, and we’re determined to find him.”
Police have deployed specialized divers to check dams and water tanks, sent dogs and drones out, and have used infrared cameras and ATVs to scope the landscape. So far, police have only uncovered a singular footprint they believe to be the boy’s.
Gus was reportedly at his family’s remote sheep farm in the Australian outback and wandered out about 5 p.m. local time. At the time of his disappearance, he was playing in the sand, per South Australia 7 News. He was wearing a hat and a long-sleeve blue shirt with a “Minion” character on it. He has blonde curly hair and brown eyes.
Bill Harbison, a family friend, read a statement on their behalf on September 30.
“This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened,” the statement reads. “Gus’s absence is felt in all of us and we miss him more than words can express. Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we focus all our energy on supporting the search and working closely with the police.”
