A father’s long search for his missing son has finally come to an emotional end.

Andrew Escobar was just 11 years old when he disappeared from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in July 2023 during a custody dispute between his parents. For the next three years, his father, Juan Escobar, and stepmother, Monique, dedicated their lives to finding him, even leaving their jobs to search full-time.

Despite the involvement of multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, Andrew remained missing until July 2026.

Juan recalled receiving the life-changing phone call from authorities informing him that his son had been found safe.

“It took me several seconds to process what I was hearing,” he said, describing the moment as one of complete shock and disbelief.

According to investigators, Andrew’s mother, Miriam Felix, allegedly took him during the custody dispute. Authorities say she was detained after unknowingly triggering an alert while crossing the U.S.–Mexico border with Andrew, who was still listed as a missing child.

During the three years he was gone, Andrew reportedly traveled through several countries, including Austria, Albania, Turkey, and the Netherlands.

While Andrew was found in good physical health, his father says the emotional impact of the past three years remains a major concern.

“We’re concerned about his mental health,” Juan shared. “Physically, he’s well, but he’s been through so much emotionally.”

Throughout Andrew’s disappearance, Juan never stopped celebrating his son’s birthdays or believing they would one day be reunited. He described Andrew as his best friend, remembering how they loved making videos together, laughing, and sharing everyday moments.

Now, the family’s focus is on helping Andrew heal, reconnect with his loved ones, and slowly adjust to life back home after an unimaginable three-year ordeal.

Source: People