Missing N.H. Toddler Found Clinging to Tree in Swamp

RICHMOND, N.H. --

A missing 2-year-old boy in Richmond, N.H., was found clinging to a tree in a swamp at around 2 a.m. on Sunday, approximately 11 hours after he was last seen.

Crews began searching Saturday afternoon for Stephen Rowan Griffin, who goes by Rowan. He was with his father attending a family gathering at the boy's grandmother's home at 236 Route 32 at around 3 p.m. when he was last seen chasing a cat. Rowan had been playing outside with eight to 10 other children.

Local police, State Police, New Hampshire Fish and Game and professional K-9 search teams began a search after 4 p.m.

At around 1:40 a.m., search teams found one of Rowan's sneakers not far from his grandmother's home.

A group of five adults and family friends who often hunted and rode ATVs in that area learned of the discovery and headed to spots they thought he might be. About 20 minutes, later the group heard crying about 3 miles from the grandmother's home and began yelling Rowan's name. He yelled back, asking for his mother.

The group had to wade into the swamp to reach Rowan.

The rescuers said that the boy was scared and shaking. His lips were blue, but otherwise he was OK. Rowan was checked out by an ambulance crew and then reunited with his family.

Earlier in the night, New Hampshire Fish and Game officials said they were hopeful Rowan is curled up asleep and that one of numerous search teams would find the boy.

"It doesn't appear that there's any suspicious activity at this point. State Police has interviewed the parents, as well as myself, and dad is just horrified. You know, that he lost track of his son, so he obviously is concerned," said Lt. Craig Morrocco with N.H. Fish and Game.

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