November 7, 2025 MANHATTAN, NY For two agonizing days, a Long Island family feared the worst after their 55-year-old loved one, Giacomo “Jack” Campione, went missing in a crowded part of Queens on Halloween. But in a heartwarming turn of events that underscores the best of New York City, Jack was found safe—right in the middle of the New York City Marathon.
Jack, a resident of Elmont, N.Y., lives with cognitive disabilities, functioning at the level of a young child. His sister, Giselle Campione, described his situation, noting, “Picture a child in the street.”
Swept Away on Halloween
The ordeal began on the morning of Friday, October 31st, in Flushing, Queens. Jack was out with his group home housemates and an aide, dressed in a costume, when he reportedly became separated from his group after exiting a city bus and getting caught up in a crowd.
With his limited cognitive ability and no medication, food, or reliable water, the search was immediately urgent. The New York City Police Department issued a missing persons alert, and the community rallied to plaster the streets with flyers.
“If it wasn't for the community, I don't know if Jack would be here right now,” his sister Giselle emphasized.
Survival on the Streets
Jack's resourcefulness, however, kept him alive. During the two nights he was alone, he reportedly survived by simply asking for Halloween candy, using the phrase “trick or treat,” and sleeping on the sidewalk.
Then came Sunday, November 2nd.
As thousands of runners flooded Queens Plaza for the NYC Marathon, a Good Samaritan spotted Jack. He had fallen down and sustained an injury to his nose. The concerned person rushed to assist him and immediately called the police. Authorities were quickly able to identify and confirm that the man was the missing Giacomo Campione.
Questions and Gratitude
While the family is immensely relieved, they are also seeking answers from the group home regarding how Jack—who somehow traveled over seven miles—managed to become separated in the first place.
