Mom Pleads For Return Of Little Boy's Stolen GoPro, Irreplaceable Memories

QUOGUE, NY — A heartbroken mom and her little boy Gage, 5, are begging that anyone who may have found a GoPro at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge please return it — and bring back the precious moments captured on the memory card.

Caitlin Matlock said she believes the GoPro was stolen on Saturday.

"I'm trying to get the word spread around the community and at the very least get my memory card returned. I have a heartbroken five year old so I am trying everything I can," she said.

Matlock, who said she did not file a police report, said it's the memories that matter most: "They can keep the camera if I can just get the card back."

The GoPro, she said, was taken or found on Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m. from a bench by the teepees. She said she did see some people in that area but has no idea who they were.

"The camera has all of my family's hiking videos, many taken by my son. Plus the first hours of my daughter's life, my son's Tee-ball games, and countless other memories. These personal and candid moments in my children's lives are irreplaceable. I can't imagine never being able to relive them again."

Matlock said she and her family are regulars at the Refuge. "It is very sad to think that this could happen there. I know many people who feel the same way. "

Meanwhile, a representative of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge said it was unclear if the GoPro was lost on the trail, or if someone picked it up by mistake.

The group posted a shout out for information on their Facebook page: "Has anyone seen or found a GoPro on the Refuge trails? It was misplaced this Saturday and the family is distraught because of the loss of some great family memories. If you have any info please DM or call us at 631.653.4771."

The GoPro or memory card may also be sent to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 492, Quogue, NY 11959.

Patch courtesy photo.