NZ Herald Morning News Update | Te Pati Maori and NZ First Annual Conference.
A Californian father is facing possible criminal charges after he absconded with his son into a Brazilian forest for a camping trip inspired by a survivalist reality programme.
The Independent reported Mark Alexander Cummings Roger and his 13-year-old son disappeared for six days, resulting in a frenzied search for thepair.
The Californian father and son disappeared for six days in the Brazilian wilderness. Photo / cnnbrazil
Both were reported as missing persons on August 28 after the boy did not report to school for several days, according to the New York Post.
Two cats were found unfed in the father and son’s deserted apartment.
The pair, who have been living in Brazil for the last six years, were eventually located living in an isolated area of the wilderness near Morro do Careca.
Police delegate Luana Backes told Midiamax: “The boy was very hungry and thirsty, so much so that immediately after being rescued by firefighters, he ate a large piece of cake and bread.”
The real estate agent had allegedly constructed a leaf tent for shelter.
Cummings Rogers is now facing criminal charges for the "tech detox". Photo / Santa Catarina Police.
Cummings Roger reportedly told authorities he was inspired by the reality programme Naked and Afraid.
On the Discovery Channel show, participants attempt to survive the elements for 21 days with limited resources.
The 51-year-old had reportedly been delving into conspiracy theories shortly before his disappearance and had hoped the camping trip would be a technology detox for his son.
He could face as many as three years in prison as the Santa Catarina Civil Police continue to investigate the incident.
