Utah authorities are sounding the alarm over the disappearance of two young brothers, emphasizing deep worries about their safety as their father, reportedly battling severe depression, remains missing with the children. Will Thomas Richman, nearly two years old, and his 10-month-old brother Wesley Dane Richman were last known to be with their 46-year-old father, Dane Stephen Richman, after he failed to appear for a scheduled custody exchange, triggering a statewide AMBER Alert and an Endangered Missing Advisory.

The case has gripped the community of Saratoga Springs, a family-oriented city in Utah County, where the boys were reportedly taken. Police and family members describe a situation filled with urgency, highlighting the father’s mental health struggles, financial despair, and recent life upheavals as major red flags that place the vulnerable toddlers in potential imminent danger.

Dane Stephen Richman, described as a 6-foot-2, 195-pound White man with brown hair and green eyes, had the children in his care during what was supposed to be a routine parenting time arrangement. However, when he did not return the boys to their mother as scheduled, alarms were raised. He also reportedly missed a court deposition related to the ongoing custody dispute, further escalating concerns.

According to the official alert issued by the Utah Department of Public Safety, there is significant worry for the children’s well-being because Richman “has been seriously depressed, selling possessions, facing financial stress, and abandoned his home.” These factors paint a picture of a man in crisis, potentially overwhelmed by circumstances that have spiraled out of control.

A Father in Crisis

Mental health experts note that severe depression in parents, especially amid custody battles and financial hardship, can lead to impaired decision-making and heightened risk for everyone involved. In Richman’s case, authorities believe he sold many of his belongings and left his residence, suggesting a possible break from his normal life. His phone has reportedly gone unanswered, and there has been no confirmed contact since the missed exchange.

The boys’ family has expressed profound fear in public appeals. One relative stated emotionally that “there’s no world without them,” capturing the desperation felt by loved ones who fear the children may lack proper care, nutrition, or medical attention during this uncertain period. For infants and toddlers, even short disruptions in routine can have serious consequences, making the situation all the more alarming.

Will Thomas Richman is described as approximately 2 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 31 pounds, with blonde or strawberry-colored hair and blue eyes. His younger brother, Wesley Dane Richman, stands about 2 feet 2 inches tall and weighs roughly 23 pounds, sharing similar features with blue eyes and light hair. Both are too young to communicate effectively or seek help on their own, heightening the urgency of the search.

Police and Community Mobilization

Law enforcement agencies across Utah have mobilized quickly. The AMBER Alert, activated due to the confirmed family abduction, young age of the victims, and perceived imminent danger, has been broadcast widely through highway signs, mobile notifications, and media outlets. Officers are actively checking areas Richman might frequent, reviewing surveillance, and coordinating with neighboring states in case he attempts to travel.

The vehicle believed to be involved is a black 2025 Toyota Camry with Utah temporary license plate A561HL. Authorities caution that the plate may not be clearly visible. Anyone spotting the car or Richman is urged to call 911 or the dedicated tip line at 801-798-5600 immediately.

Saratoga Springs, located south of Salt Lake City, offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and proximity to natural landscapes, including highways that connect to vast rural and desert regions. This geography complicates search efforts, as someone in distress could seek remote areas for solitude or travel significant distances without immediate detection.

The Human Impact of Parental Mental Health Struggles

This case brings attention to the often-hidden challenges of parental mental health during family separations. Custody disputes can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, particularly when combined with financial pressures. Richman’s reported actions—selling possessions and abandoning his home—align with patterns seen in individuals experiencing acute depressive episodes who feel they have lost control.

Mental health professionals emphasize that while most parents in depression do not harm their children, the combination of factors here warrants serious concern. Children in such situations may experience neglect, instability, or worse if the parent’s condition deteriorates further. Authorities are treating this as a high-risk scenario, prioritizing the safe recovery of Will and Wesley above all else.

The boys’ mother and extended family are navigating unimaginable stress. Raising two children so close in age is challenging even in stable circumstances; the sudden disappearance has left them in a state of constant worry and grief. Community members in Saratoga Springs have begun sharing the alert widely, with local groups organizing support and keeping watch for any signs of the missing family.

Broader Context and Challenges

Parental abductions account for the majority of missing children cases nationally, but those involving mental health issues often require specialized responses. Utah’s AMBER Alert system was designed precisely for situations like this, where time is critical. The alert’s criteria were met quickly due to the children’s ages and the documented concerns about their father’s state.

Search teams face the reality that a person in severe depression may not follow predictable patterns. Richman could be staying in motels, camping in remote spots, or relying on remaining resources while trying to care for two very young children. Ensuring the boys have formula, diapers, and basic medical needs adds another layer of urgency to the investigation.

Family members have made heartfelt public pleas, asking Richman to consider the well-being of his sons and reach out safely. They stress that help is available and that returning the children unharmed remains the priority. In emotional statements, they describe Will as an energetic toddler full of curiosity and Wesley as a sweet baby beginning to explore his world.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

As the search enters a critical phase, the community’s response has been one of solidarity. Churches, schools, and neighborhood associations are supporting the family while encouraging vigilance. Mental health advocates use cases like this to call for better resources for parents in crisis, including accessible counseling, financial support programs, and destigmatization of seeking help during difficult times.

For now, the focus remains on locating Dane Richman and ensuring the safe return of Will and Wesley. The AMBER Alert remains active, with updates expected as new information emerges. Authorities continue to appeal to the public: even a small detail, such as a sighting of the black Camry or someone matching Richman’s description with young children, could provide the breakthrough needed.

This situation serves as a sobering reminder of how mental health challenges can intersect with family law and child safety. Behind the alerts and descriptions are two innocent little boys caught in circumstances far beyond their understanding. Their family clings to hope that they will be found soon, healthy and unharmed.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Dane Stephen Richman, Will Thomas Richman, or Wesley Dane Richman is strongly encouraged to contact law enforcement without delay. In high-stakes cases involving young children and a parent in reported distress, every tip matters. The people of Utah and beyond are watching and praying for a positive resolution, hoping the two brothers will soon be back in the arms of those who love them most.