Gabby Petito's case helped shine a light on other families and individuals who might have faced a tragic end while on a camping trip. On September 11, a father and his three children were also suspected to be missing after family members lost track of them.
Thomas Phillips and his kids — Jayda Jin, 8; Maverick, 6; and Ember, 5 — were on a camping trip near the Marokopa area of New Zealand. After family members realized they couldn't reach them, they filed an official report. Soon after, the silver Toyota Hilux that belonged to Thomas was found seemingly abandoned.
That, in itself, brought a new level of terror to their family. "Because of where the vehicle was found we are understandably very anxious and fearful for the safety of Tom and the children. It is possible that they were all swept off the beach as the sea was particularly wild over the weekend."
The last time the family saw Thomas and his children was right before they went on their trip. They didn't notice anything particularly strange about Thomas' demeanor, but with so many recent reports of fathers "acting fine" before a big trip that ended in the death of a family, that may not always be the best clue. Every day that they weren't found brought more terror to their loved ones.
Earlier in September, the police met with Thomas' extended family to tell them that they were holding off on searching any more. Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin let them know that they had searched for 12 straight days without any sign of them. But while they suspended the search, they didn't lose hope.
"The family understands police remain committed to bringing their loved ones home, however at this time the daily physical searches will be suspended and we will move into a 'reactive' phase," Will told the New Zealand Herald. "This means police will be available to react to any new information as it comes to hand and initiate searching as required."
"If you locate an item that might have significance, please photograph it as you have found it, and contact police on 111," he said. "If you can secure the item then do so." But even that didn't yield any leads. They made a point to thank all of the volunteers who offered to help by searching and providing transportation and food to those on the lookout.
The more time that went on, the more Thomas' family thought the inevitable. "It had seemed pretty obvious that they had gone into the sea," Rozzi Pethybridge, Thomas' sister, told the outlet. "Hope dwindled and we sort of became more and more resigned, and sad, just deeply sad."
As every day went on, the family felt more like hope was lost. While some of them had a feeling that they were still alive, the facts didn't necessarily back it up. It's unbearable to think about losing three innocent children all at once to the elements. But at least that image can now leave the minds of those left paralyzed by the thought for so many days.
Luckily, it seems as if the whole thing was more of a miscommunication. When Thomas came home, he likely had no idea that there was an ongoing search for him and his family. "We are so pleased that the family have returned home," Will Loughrin said, per People. "A huge range of people and resources were involved in the search for the family, this search wouldn't be possible without you. We are so grateful to you."
Will was also quick to credit the pain their family experienced when assuming their loved ones had died. "This is a family that experienced 17 days of h*ll, really," he said. "This is a community that experienced 17 days of h*ll wondering what had happened to this family and these children. For the outcome to be what we always wanted is fantastic."
When Rozzi got the news, she admitted it a lot to handle. "[I feel] very very happy — but hard too after such a long time and being braced for the worst, resigning ourselves to the fact that we'd probably never see them again," she told the New Zealand Herald when asked how she felt now that the search was over. But she admitted it was the best possible situation.
"Seeing them all again, being able to realise that and hold them in your arms and tell them all the things you thought of that you wanted to," she continued. "You feel like your heart's whole again." Of course, people still have plenty of questions for Thomas.
While one day he may feel inclined to share his story, he may also hope this incident gets swept under the rug. But let it be a reminder for you and your family to have a solid contact plan if you're planning to go on a vacation someplace more remote. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
