ERNUL, N.C. (WNCN/WNCT) – Casey Hathaway was found alive Thursday night near the Craven County home on Toler Road where he disappeared from, according to Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.

The 3-year-old boy went missing Tuesday afternoon around 1:45 p.m. Hughes said a grandmother was looking after him and a few other children at the time he disappeared.

His grandmother was inside the home while Casey and two other children played outside.

When the two other kids came in, Casey stayed out.

They looked for him for about 45 minutes before calling law enforcement.

According to the FBI, he is in good health, is talking and is being evaluated by doctors at Carolina East Medical Center.

As of 4:15 Friday morning, Carolina East says Casey is still at the hospital and an update is expected later this morning.

“When he saw his little sister, had a big smile on his face,” Hughes said.

Chocowinity EMS Cpt. Shane Grier was responding to a tip when he heard the boy.

Grier disentangled Casey from some briars and brought him out of the woods.

At a news conference late Thursday night, his parents expressed their gratitude for everyone who helped.

“We just want to tell everybody that we’re very thankful that you took the time out to come search for Casey and prayed for him, and he’s good,” said his mother, Brittany Hathaway. “He is good, he is up and talking. He’s already asked to watch Netflix so he’s good, He is good.”

This story will be updated as more information is released.