On Thursday, March 31, 2016, around 1:00 a.m., Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding two missing persons, who had been at Big Bend Conservation Park, in rural Prophetstown, IL. It had been reported that 21-year-old Austin Bennett, of Prophetstown, and his 13-year-old brother, of Lyndon, IL, went to the park at approximately 6:00 p.m. and had not returned home. Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate Bennett’s vehicle but were unable to locate the subjects at that time. Whiteside County Deputies, Illinois State Police, and Conservation Police began the search for the subjects. The Illinois State Police airplane was requested, and a search of the area was conducted, but it had to be called off due to the weather.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., Whiteside County Deputies, Illinois State Police, Conservation Police, Erie Fire Department, and Prophetstown Fire Department began a ground and water search, using ATV’s and boats. At approximately 7:30 the subjects were located. They were not injured.
According to the two subjects, they had gone to the park to see if any mushrooms were out. While walking they became disoriented, losing their sense of direction.
After hours of searching, the subjects were located safe and sound.