Lisa Theris, 25, had been missing for nearly a month when she was spotted on the side of the road by a woman driving down Highway 82 near the Bullock County and Barbour County line, in Alabama. After running away from a burglary she didn’t want to take part in, and because she didn’t know the area and it was dark, she had gotten lost and had to survive on berries, mushrooms, and water from streams. A massive search spanning several counties and involving multiple agencies had been involved in the search.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9PWgeTgHxk
At this time, the investigation into what happened is ongoing. There are still many questions surrounding the burglary, the two suspects, and Lisa’s disappearance that need answers. Chad Faulkner, lead investigator on the case:
Chad Faulkner, lead investigator on the case:
“We don’t have the total details on everything yet. We wanted to make sure her health was in the best shape and in the days to come, we’ll get some answers. She’s alive and that’s all that matters at this moment. We can confirm she was in the area, but as far as that goes, we can’t confirm anything else right now.”1
However, some details are available. Theris had no shelter, shoes, phone, or purse and was totally alone in thousands of acres of isolated, dense forest with no roads or homes nearby.
During her weeks in the wilderness, she lost 50 pounds. Officials said they believe being constantly hungry and thirsty kept her disorienting and that’s likely why she kept getting turned around.
Sgt Faulkner said, “It’s a relief to all of us. We put a lot of man hours into this case to find her and this is a really good outcome. Her will to live was strong, when you have a will to live and survive. It’s a miracle.”2
Her sister Elizabeth said:
“Words cannot describe the happiness and relief we feel that she has been found and returned to us. We are lucky that she is alive, she is so strong and has made it through so much. She is severely weakened, she is in pain, she is emaciated. There is not an inch of her that has not been affected.” 3
This is a miracle. We are so happy for her family that she has been found safe and wish her continued health and healing from her ordeal.
