Keith Kennedy, Family Celebrate Anniversary of Search

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It was one year ago on Saturday when 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS was there for the emotional reunion of Keith Kennedy and his family.

The 26-year-old man with autism spent a week in the wilderness near Grantsburg, Wis. before searchers found him barely alive on June 22, 2008.

Kennedy was dehydrated, suffering from hypothermia and covered with ticks and bug bites when a St. Paul firefighter found him.

Searchers were worried that Kennedy might suffer a medical emergency without the anti-rejection drugs he has taken since having a kidney transplant in 1995.

Kennedy’s parents had a barbecue to celebrate his rescue and thank nearly 500 volunteers who made his safe return possible.

His parents live in Roseville while Kennedy lives in a group home in Shoreview.