Authorities in Georgia have recovered the body of a 6-year-old boy with developmental disabilities from a pond, one day after he was reported missing.
Clayton County Police said John Ross III was found dead in a pond Sunday evening.
The nonverbal child, who had developmental disabilities, was reported missing at about 7:45 p.m. Saturday from the Meadow Springs Apartments in College Park.
“It’s hard to to be at peace when something happens like this with a child. It really is hard,” said Donna Vaughn, a neighbour who often saw John visiting his father.
“He was a wonderful child, had a beautiful spirit, just a sweet child, beautiful smile. That’s what I’m going to remember the most is his smile.”
Multiple agencies joined the search for John, deploying drones, ATVs, K-9 units and dive teams. The Butts County dive team eventually recovered the boy’s body from a pond near the apartment complex. Police said the pond is no more than eight feet deep.
Authorities said the discovery was not the outcome they had hoped for after the extensive search effort.
“I relate it to a hollow victory. It brings closure to the family. It actually brings closure to all the dive members, all the officers that have been working out here,” said Capt. Nicholas Gailey, Clayton County Police Special Operations Division.
Balloons, flowers and teddy bears have since been placed at the location where John tragically lost his life.
“Losing a child is never easy, but I’m praying that God would strengthen [the family] in the days to come,” Vaughn said.
Police urged members of the community to remember John’s family in their thoughts and prayers as they cope with the loss.
The investigation remains underway, and authorities have not determined whether foul play was involved. Police also said John’s father was arrested on an unspecified charge unrelated to the boy’s death.
