A 3-year-old boy tragically passed away after leaving his home during the night and ending up in a river.
The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, wandered away from home early on Monday, April 13, and was last spotted near a school around midnight. Authorities did not specify the school in New London, Wisconsin, where the boy was discovered, in their most recent update.
He was found in the river at approximately 7:17 am local time on the same day and was taken to a medical facility where medical professionals confirmed his death. Police mentioned that it was unclear how long the boy had been in the water.
It was suspected that the young boy had strayed about four blocks from his residence after his father’s last check on him around midnight. He was reported missing before 5 am and was located a little over two hours later, then swiftly taken to the hospital. Police issued an update at around 11:30 am local time, confirming the boy’s demise.
John Faucher, the proprietor of a local store, observed a significant police presence in New London, Wisconsin, following an Amber alert. He informed a local network, WSAW, stating, “We saw drones. We saw numerous county and city law enforcement vehicles.”
“There was substantial support from multiple agencies in the town, especially near the middle school. Teams were actively searching even before daybreak,” he added.
The New London Police Department posted on Monday, stating, “3 YEAR OLD BOY MISSING FROM 1000 BLOCK OF W BEACON AVE NEW LONDON, 3 FT TALL, BROWN HAIR, BROWN EYES, LAST SEEN WEARING ORANGE CHICAGO BEARS SHIRT AND DIAPER, LAST SEEN NEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL AROUND MIDNIGHT.”
In a subsequent update, the police confirmed, “He has been located!! Thank you everyone for sharing.”
ABC2 reported that the child was found upstream, and the exact entry point into the river remains unclear. There is speculation that he may have entered the river near his home and been carried by the current.
Numerous residents utilized the police department’s Facebook page to spread awareness about the missing boy. Some individuals claimed to have searched for the boy during the period he was reported missing.
