Missing NC 3-year-old Casey Hathaway found alive, sheriff says

CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - Casey Hathaway has been found alive in Craven County, according to Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.

Casey was found just before 9:30 p.m. Thursday. In a news release Thursday night, FBI spokeswoman Shelley Lynch says Casey Hathaway was found by professional search and rescue crews near Cayton.

Authorities said the boy appeared to be in good health and was being evaluated at a hospital.

Related: Mom: 3-year-old NC boy found after 2 days missing is doing well

Prior to being found, Casey was last seen at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday playing with two other kids in the backyard before he disappeared into the thick woods behind his grandmother's home. Deputies said the grandmother and others searched for Casey for about 45 minutes before calling 911.

Related: Police: 3-year-old NC boy disappears from grandma's backyard

Hughes said earlier Thursday they were working around the clock and navigating rugged and difficult terrain in search of Casey.

Related: FBI, state officials join effort to find missing 3-year-old NC boy

FOX 46 Charlotte reported on this story from Charlotte, N.C. The Associated Press contributed to this report.