A tragic discovery was made in Idaho as police believe a 5-year-old boy who went missing after wandering away from his birthday party has been found dead. Boise police reported the incident on Tuesday.
Matthew Glynn was last seen at his home late Monday afternoon, where he was celebrating his fifth birthday with friends and family, according to Boise police.
After an extensive search, crews located a body in a canal on Tuesday. While the Ada County Coroner’s Office will provide official identification, authorities suspect the victim is Matthew.
The body was found in a canal approximately a half-mile north of where Matthew disappeared, with no indications of foul play, police said.
“We are heartbroken over this development today,” stated Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar. “We want to thank our many partners for their response, as well as the public for their willingness to help another member of our community in a time of need.”
Officers had been alerted to the missing child shortly before 6 p.m. local time, Winegar explained. Matthew, who was nonverbal and had autism, was wearing Batman pajamas when he went missing.
Authorities promptly initiated a large-scale search using drones, ATVs, UTVs, and tracking dogs, focusing on waterways since Matthew was attracted to water, according to Winegar.
Police also conducted door-to-door searches to inspect backyards in the neighborhood.
Ron Christensen from Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue reported that 30 personnel, including mountain bike teams, joined the search on Monday night, covering parts of a local greenbelt. The group used UTVs with flashing lights and played the song “Wheels on the Bus” through speakers to try to attract Matthew.
The Boise Fire Department was also involved in the search.
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“Sadly, this is not the outcome we were all hoping for. Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” said Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer in a statement.
