05/28/2026
Great efforts by everyone involved! We are so glad he was found alive and safe!
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Missing Person Elijah McCumber Located Safe
On May 28, 2026, at 10:29 a.m., the Winona County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a homeowner on Rose Creek Drive who reported seeing a subject matching Elijah “Eli” McCumber’s description.
Deputies responded to the location. K-9 assistance was requested from the Winona Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and MN-WI K-9 Search and Rescue. A helicopter was also requested from the Minnesota State Patrol. Houston County deputies and the La Crescent Police Department also responded to assist.
Once on scene, Eli was located inside the residence. Eli was hungry and tired, but safe, after spending more than five days in the woods. Eli was evaluated on scene by Nodine and Dakota First Responders and Tri-State Ambulance, and was then transported to the hospital for treatment.
We would like to thank the following agencies and organizations for assisting in the search: Winona County SOAR Team, Winona County Dive Rescue, Minnesota-Wisconsin K9 Search and Rescue, Mid-Minnesota K9, Houston County Sheriff's Posse, Nodine Fire & Rescue, Dakota Fire & Rescue Department, Pickwick Fire and Rescue, La Crescent Fire & Rescue Department, Winona Fire Department, St. Charles Police Department Police Reserves, La Crescent Police Reserve Unit, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol, Houston County Sheriff's Office, La Crescent Police Department, City of La Crosse Police Department, Winona County Dispatch, and Winona County Emergency Management.
Many other agencies had also offered assistance or were planning to help with future search efforts.
A special thank you is extended to area residents for searching, providing food, water, and other resources for searchers.
We are grateful for all of the community support and especially grateful that Eli was located safe.
