LOUISA, KENTUCKY | PUBLIC SAFETY | November 3, 2026
Quick Take
- Roman Heilman, a 6-year-old boy with autism, has been missing since Sunday afternoon from his home on Tadpole Road in Louisa.
- Kentucky State Police issued an IAN Alert, and crews are searching steep, wooded hillsides with dogs, aircraft and ground teams.
- Searchers are singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” a song Roman is known to respond to.
What’s happening?
A massive search is underway in Lawrence County for Roman Heilman, who police say walked away from his home on Sunday. Kentucky State Police Post 14 is leading the effort with help from regional agencies, first responders and hundreds of volunteers.
Kentucky State Police issued an IAN Alert on Sunday evening. Kentucky uses this alert when a child under 18 with autism or a mental illness goes missing and is believed to be in danger. Trooper Jerry Sparks said officials remain hopeful Roman is alive and are continuing the search under that belief.
Where and when?
Roman was last seen between 3:45 PM and 4 PM on Sunday, November 1, in the 900 block of Tadpole Road in Louisa. He was last wearing a green plaid or fur jacket, red and white monster truck pajama pants, and Crocs.
The terrain around his home is rough, with steep ridges, thick woods and nearby river banks. Sunday night brought cold temperatures and rain, adding urgency to the search.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Roman’s age | 6 |
| Height | About 3 feet |
| Weight | About 60 pounds |
| Hair and eyes | Blonde, blue |
What have searchers found?
Kentucky State Police said some of Roman’s belongings have been found but have not released details. Officials say they will not share anything as evidence until it is fully confirmed.
Volunteers have shared their own accounts online. One volunteer working with a search dog said the team tracked a scent from an area near a cell tower, where a jacket was reportedly found, toward a house off Route 1690 and woods behind it. Volunteers also reported finding pants and barefoot footprints. Police have not confirmed these reports.
According to volunteers, cave specialists were at the scene because of caves in the woods nearby. Searchers have also used drones, helicopters, multiple dogs and large ground teams.
What should you do?
Anyone who sees Roman or has information should call 911 or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421. Residents near Louisa are asked to check their yards, sheds, outbuildings, vehicles and nearby water.
Responders said earlier this week they were not accepting more volunteers at the scene. Anyone hoping to help should check the Lawrence County KY Emergency Management Facebook page for updates before heading out. If you are searching nearby, sing Roman’s favorite song and clap, since it may help get his attention.
What comes next?
The search continues today, with crews expanding into wooded ridges and other hard-to-reach areas. Kentucky State Police say they are following up on every lead and will share updates through social media and local news.
Have a question about what’s changing in your neighborhood? Send it to Nash News at nash-news.com and we may answer it in our next report.
