KANSAS — A 4-year-old autistic, non-verbal boy who was reported missing in Kansas has been found dead, authorities said.
According to the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, Axel was reported missing on June 5. Law enforcement launched a search around 8 p.m. that evening and asked community members who wanted to assist to coordinate with authorities before joining the effort.
The search drew a large response from volunteers, prompting officials to ask additional community members to stop coming to the search area.
On June 6, search crews located the child. Axel was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Geary County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the family and thanked the agencies, first responders, volunteers and community members who assisted in the search.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, but no additional information is being released at this time out of respect for the family.
Officials have not said when Axel was last seen or how he died. During the search, authorities warned volunteers about high humidity and elevated temperatures in the area.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain under investigation.
