A young man’s safe return in downtown San Antonio has become a story of heart, hope, and the power of community—thanks to a chance encounter and some deeply rooted Alabama connections.
Last Sunday morning, 22-year-old CJ Keeter, a non-verbal man with Down syndrome and Autism, quietly left a home located miles outside San Antonio. CJ, who functions at the level of a 5-year-old, was visiting the city with his mother, Joanna Keeter, from Millbrook, Alabama. They had traveled to watch their beloved Auburn Tigers compete in the Final Four.
But joy turned to fear when CJ disappeared just hours before they were set to attend church. A search began, and social media posts quickly gained traction across the country, raising awareness of his disappearance.
Later that evening, in the heart of downtown near Hotel Valencia, Devin Godshall, a science teacher from Collinsville High School in Rainsville, Alabama, was walking along the San Antonio Riverwalk when she recognized someone who looked like CJ. She had seen the social media alerts earlier in the day. Acting quickly, she contacted a friend, who then reached out to Michelle Norwood, a Dawson, Alabama, resident familiar with CJ.
Michelle and her son Hunter Norwood, who also has Down syndrome, operate “A Little Something Extra”, a mobile ice cream truck that serves novelty treats and provides job training and social opportunities for individuals with special needs. CJ had been part of that team for about five years.
Through that connection, CJ’s identity was confirmed, and his mother was notified. Within hours of his disappearance, CJ was safely reunited with his family in downtown San Antonio.
The Keeters, along with Devin Godshall, remained in the city to attend the national championship game between Florida and Houston—a happy ending to what could have been a tragic day.
Though their Auburn Tigers had been eliminated from the tournament, the game was a celebration. Thanks to the quick thinking of good-hearted people from Alabama, CJ was safe—surrounded by those who cared about him.
Sometimes, a little something extra makes all the difference.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
