Family of missing Alice Springs man Gach Top says 'it's a miracle' he was found alive
Gach Top, 26, had been missing for a week, his car abandoned 14.5 kilometres west of John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve.
He was found alive by his family near Jay Creek outstation, about 30 kilometres west of Alice Springs, close to where police had discovered items of his clothing.
Authorities had suspended their search on Saturday and handed the matter to the Northern Territory Police's Southern Crime Division for further investigation.
But Mr Top's family continued scouring the outback for him, along with a group of about 25 volunteers.
Arrernte woman Tamara Campbell, who lives at the outstation, said she noticed a "figure walking towards the bush" soon after the sun set on Monday.
"Me and my nephew went that way and my aunties came across from the other side of the road," she told the ABC.
"I was getting a bad feeling and I walked over to have a closer look."
Mr Top's sister, Nyaluak, and other members of his family had been in contact with residents of the outstation in their search.
"We came here and I left my number with one of the ladies … we went to Hermannsburg to search for him, and when we were going back to [Alice Springs], she called me as soon as we got service," Nyaluak said.
Mr Top's step-mother Nyawuor Kong said her family was rejoicing.
"His siblings, the boys and girls, everyone is excited," Ms Kong said.
"My eldest son was devastated, because he is close to his elder brother Gach, but when he heard the news that Gach is fine, he is smiling again.
"Our family are happy again."
She said she was grateful to the people who helped their family find Mr Top in the desert.
"We are relieved now."
In a statement, NT police said Mr Top was taken to hospital for assessment and thanked members of the public for their assistance.
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