PALM COAST, Fla. — Missing Flagler County teen Rickey Wheeler has been found alive, the Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday.

The 17-year-old, who went missing on Friday from the Palm Coast area, was located in an embankment.

Last Friday Wheeler, who has limited communication skills and muscular dystrophy, wandered off his families porch.

He was found in the woods just a couple miles from his home after deputies located some of his discarded clothes, and blood hounds were able to track him down in a dip in the ground. 

"He was dehydrated, full of bug bites," Chief Paul Bovino told reporters. "But otherwise, he is alert and conscious and speaking to our officers and deputies on scene." 

Wheeler was taken to a med unit due to his medical condition. 

Deputies said they notified his family to let them know he was found. 

The Sheriff's Office searched by air, boat, bikes and ATVs. Even agencies from surrounding counties assisted with the search.

Dozens of people showed up to help search for Wheeler. 

The people who volunteered to search for him remained hopeful.

“Hopefully today will be the day … we can find him and bring him back to his family,” said Dawn Zimmerman-Butrym, a search volunteer.

Upon Wheeler's recovery, everyone voiced their surprise and relief. 

"Im glad we had a positive outcome, I didn't know it was possible. I prayed for it, but I didn't know if it was possible. Im glad it is. I don't know how it is, but I'm glad it is," said one of Wheeler's high school  teachers Katie Kastner.

Wheeler was reunited with his family at an area hospital, where he was treated for his minor injuries.

Those in the community left the search area in Palm Coast relieved and looking forward to seeing Wheeler's future unfold. 

 "The classroom isn't complete without him, so our goal is graduation, and I can't wait to watch him walk across the stage."​ Kastner said. 

Reporter Bailey Myers contributed to this story.