The search for a missing 4-year-old boy in Ormond Beach ended in heartbreak Sunday night when his body was recovered from a pond in Central Park.
Waylon Childs was reported missing earlier in the day after he wandered away from his father while they were at the park with his two younger siblings. A massive search effort ensued, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, K-9 units, and a Volusia County dive team.
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Tragically, Waylon’s body was found in the water around 9:00 p.m. Police have ruled out foul play, believing the non-verbal child with autism wandered off and accidentally drowned.
“This is an unspeakable loss for the family, and our hearts go out to them,” said Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the search.”
The Ormond Beach Police Department is offering grief counseling resources to the family and first responders impacted by this tragedy.
Previous Report: A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 4-year-old Waylon Childs, last seen in the area of the 600 block of Fleming Avenue in Ormond Beach.
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Waylon is a white male, 3 feet tall, and weighs approximately 30 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon shirt, maroon sweatpants, and gray shoes.
Authorities are urging residents to CHECK WATER.
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