NY Man Nicholas Simmons reunited with family after cold weather photo

An AP photograph illustrating unusually cold weather led a New York family to their son who had been missing for four days.

WASHINGTON — Nicholas Simmons disappeared from his parents' house in a small upstate New York town on New Year's Day, leaving behind his wallet, cellphone and everything else.

Four days later, an Associated Press photographer, looking for a way to illustrate unusually cold weather, snapped his picture as he warmed himself on a steam grate a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

Paul and Michelle Simmons saw the AP photograph in USA Today Sunday moing after it was brought to their attention through a Facebook page set up to help find their 20-year-old son, according to police and family friends.

Michelle Simmons expressed her relief on Facebook shortly after her son was located.

"It could have been months before we had a lead on his whereabouts. My baby looks so lost, and I will be spending the rest of my life making him well," she wrote.

The photo, taken Saturday by AP photographer Jacquelyn Martin, showed Simmons with his unshaven face pressed against a grate outside the Federal Trade Commission. He wore a ski jacket and a hood over his head. A thick gray blanket covered his lower body.