LOUISA, Kentucky: Six-year-old Roman Heilman, whose disappearance prompted an urgent search across Lawrence County, Kentucky, has been found safe, according to Kentucky State Police.
Authorities confirmed his recovery on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, bringing relief to his family and the community after nearly two days of searching involving hundreds of volunteers and multiple emergency response agencies.
Roman was reported missing on Sunday, November 1, after he was last seen around 4 p.m. on Tadpole Road in Louisa. Following his disappearance, Kentucky State Police issued an IAN Alert, asking residents to help locate the child, who authorities believed could be in danger.
The alert prompted an extensive community response, with local, state and federal agencies joining volunteers in the search.
According to information released during the investigation, Roman was approximately 3 feet tall, weighed about 60 pounds and had shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes.
Authorities also shared details about his clothing to help residents recognise him. He was believed to be wearing a green plaid coat and red-and-white monster truck pajama pants.
One particularly important detail shared during the search was that Roman was known to respond to the children’s song “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Searchers were encouraged to use the familiar song to attract his attention.
Kentucky State Police subsequently confirmed that Roman had been located safely and thanked the emergency personnel, partner agencies and hundreds of volunteers who contributed to the search.
According to local media reports, emergency crews found Roman in the Louisa area. He was being medically evaluated following his recovery.
The IAN Alert system is used in Kentucky to help locate missing children under 18 who have autism or a mental illness and may face immediate danger.
Roman’s safe recovery brings an end to an extensive search that united residents and emergency responders in an effort to bring the missing child home.