Happy Ending As Little Boy's GoPro Is Returned

QUOGUE, NY — It's a happy ending for a heartbroken mom and her little boy Gage, 5, who had their missing GoPro returned after a heartfelt appeal.

"The GoPro was returned to us," Caitlin Matlock said, adding that it was brought back Friday.

Matlock thanked Patch for help in spreading the word about the missing GoPro, which held precious family memories.

"We had over 400 shares on Facebook and I believe the article is what brought it home to us.We were blown away by the amount of shares the article received on Facebook and we were hoping that as word spread someone would do the right thing," Matlock said. "I was honestly shocked when I got a message almost two weeks later that the GoPro was found and I could pick it up that day."

She added, "I can't thank everyone who shared Gage's story enough. Our camera is back and, most importantly, our memories are safe and sound. Gage is thrilled and ready to start using the camera again to record his adventures."

After the GoPro disappeared in March, Matlock begged anyone who may have found it at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge to please return it — and bring back the precious moments captured on the memory card.

Matlock said, at the time, she believed the GoPro was stolen.

"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.

The GoPro, she said, was taken or found on Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m. from a bench by the teepees.

"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," she said, when it went missing.

A representative of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge said at the time 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 — and the community came together to help restore a little boy's faith, and bring his GoPro back safely.

Patch courtesy photo.