JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Police said they found the body of an autistic, non-verbal child a day after he went missing in Kansas.
Axel, 4, was reported missing June 5. The Geary County Sheriff’s Office announced a search around 8 p.m. that same day, asking for community members who wanted to help to check in with them first.
The search efforts were so great the sheriff’s office had to ask people to stop volunteering that evening.
The next day, the 4-year-old boy was found. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
“The Geary County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office posted to Facebook. “We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the many agencies, first responders, volunteers, and community members who dedicated their time and resources to the search effort.”
“The overwhelming support demonstrated throughout this incident reflects the strength, compassion and unity of our community,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office said an investigation is ongoing, but no other information will be released at this time “out of respect for the family.”
It’s unclear when exactly Axel was last seen, or how he died. Officials were warning volunteers about high humidity and increased temperatures in the days they searched for Axel.
“Mom and Dad are gonna miss you so much buddy, I can’t even explain the feelings you left behind. Daddy can’t wait to see my little bubbas again,” Togan Loneys, who identified himself as Axel’s father, wrote in a Facebook post.
