Missing 12-year-old visiting Hilton Head found safe in Texas

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 09/08/26 AT 3:42 p.m.] A 12-year-old boy reported missing while visiting Hilton Head Island has been found safe and unharmed in Texas, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say Dominic Caruselle was located Tuesday afternoon in Chambers County, Texas.

Dominic was reported missing Monday, Sept. 7. Investigators previously said they believed he left the area overnight with someone he knew and had already left Beaufort County before law enforcement was contacted.

The sheriff’s office worked with multiple agencies across the Southeast to locate him.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional information may be released later.

[UPDATE 09/08/26 AT 2:45 p.m.] The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has released new details in the search for a missing 12-year-old boy, revealing that investigators believe he may have left the area with someone he knows.

Dominic Caruselle, 12, was reported missing shortly before 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. His family last saw him at approximately 10 p.m. the previous night.

According to a Tuesday advisory from the Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe Dominic left during the night with someone he may have known. Early in the investigation, deputies determined that Dominic had already left the Beaufort County area before law enforcement was first contacted Monday morning.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is now actively coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies across the Southeast to locate him.

Dominic is visiting Hilton Head Island from Upstate South Carolina. He is described as:

• Height: 4 feet, 11 inches
• Weight: Approximately 87 pounds
• Features: Brown hair and brown eyes

Last seen wearing:

• A white shirt
• Gray shorts
• A black hat
• A black backpack

Anyone with information on Dominic’s whereabouts or who may have seen him is urged to call 911 or contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line immediately at 843-524-2777.

[ORIGINAL STORY] The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s immediate help locating a missing 12-year-old boy on Hilton Head Island.

Deputies say Dominic Caruselle was reported missing Monday morning.

Dominic is visiting Hilton Head Island from Upstate South Carolina and was last seen in the Palmetto Dunes area. Authorities say there is concern for his safety and well-being.

Dominic was last seen wearing:

• A white shirt
• Gray shorts
• A black hat
• A black backpack

Deputies are actively working to locate the child.

Anyone who sees Dominic or has any information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line immediately at 843-524-2777.