A man who was found alive after disappearing for almost a decade is "nonverbal," according to his family.
Back on March 6, 2015, then-17-year-old Rudy Farias mysteriously vanished while walking his dogs in Houston, Texas. His family reported him missing after the animals returned home, but Farias was not found.
At the time of the boy's disappearance, it was disclosed to the public that he was diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety, and had likely stopped taking his medication, according to ABC 7.
For eight years, Farias' family desperately searched for him and remained hopeful that he would be found alive and safe, and that happened last Thursday (June 29) when a good samaritan made a 911 call reporting an unconscious man outside a church, per the outlet.
When first responders arrived at 76th and Avenue K in Magnolia Park, they found Farias - who is now 25 years old - visibly beaten, with bruises and cuts all over his body and dry blood on his head. They contacted his family over the weekend to tell them he had been found alive.
Confirming the news on social media, the Texas Center for the Missing shared a post on Twitter, which read: "After 8 long years, Rudy has been located safe. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital."
His mother, Janie Santana, also shared a statement to The New York Post - which was provided by the center - reading: "My son Rudy is receiving the care he needs to overcome his trauma, but at this time, he is nonverbal and not able to communicate with us.
"We are asking for privacy during this difficult time but will share more details as Rudy continues to heal," she said, adding the family does not have any further details about the case or where Farias has been for eight years.
According to a relative's post on Facebook, Farias has soft tissue tumors and swelling on the soles of his feet, old and new cuts and scrapes on his body, along with old dry blood on his head and hair.
The New York Post reported that when Farias was found unresponsive, he was still wearing the same necklace, that belonged to his late brother. His mother revealed that Farias kept holding onto the sentimental chain and is only able to say a few words before moving into a fetal position.
The Texas Center for the Missing would not comment on the circumstances in which the missing boy was found, only telling CNN that their focus is on Farias and his family.
"Our mission is to continue supporting our families whose loved ones go missing," Melissa Rangel said. "Rudy Farias has been missing for eight years and now has been located safe.
"We at Texas Center for the Missing continue to support our families through reunification and want to continue to support the families through the healing and the hope when their loved ones are missing," they added.