A 5-year-old boy who went missing after wandering away from his own birthday party is believed to have been found dead, Idaho police said Tuesday.
Matthew Glynn was last seen at home late Monday afternoon while celebrating his fifth birthday with friends and family, Boise police said.
Following a massive search, search crews found a body in a canal on Tuesday, Boise police said. The Ada County Coroner’s Office will make an official identification, though the victim is believed to be Matthew, police said.
The body was found in a canal about a half-mile north of where the boy went missing, police said. There appears to be no signs of foul play, police said.
“We are heartbroken over this development today,” Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said in a statement. “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.”
The Boise Police Department released an undated photo of Matthew Glynn.
Courtesy of Boise Police Department
Officers had responded to a report of the missing child shortly before 6 p.m. local time, Winegar said. Matthew, who was nonverbal and had autism, was wearing Batman pajamas when he went missing, Winegar said.
Authorities immediately launched a large-scale search involving drones, ATVs, UTVs and tracking dogs that primarily focused on waterways in the area, as Matthew was drawn to water, the police chief said.
Police also conducted door-to-door searches to check people’s backyards, Winegar said.
The Boise Police Department released an undated photo of Matthew Glynn.
Courtesy of Boise Police Department
Ron Christensen with Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue said 30 personnel were also involved in the search Monday night, including mountain bike teams that covered parts of a local greenbelt.
The group deployed UTVs with flashing lights and played the song “Wheels on the Bus” through speakers to try to attract Matthew, Christensen said.
The Boise Fire Department was also involved in the search.
“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,” Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer said in a statement.
In a tragic turn of events, the search for a missing 5-year-old boy at a birthday party has ended with the discovery of a body. The boy, who had been reported missing earlier in the day, was last seen playing with other children at the party before he disappeared.
Authorities and volunteers had been searching tirelessly for the young boy, scouring the area surrounding the party venue and interviewing witnesses in an effort to locate him. The search had been ongoing for several hours when a heartbreaking discovery was made.
The body of the missing boy was found in a nearby wooded area, not far from where the party was taking place. The news sent shockwaves through the community, as friends and family members gathered at the scene in disbelief.
The circumstances surrounding the boy’s disappearance and death are still unclear, and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine what happened. It is a devastating reminder of the importance of keeping a close eye on young children, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.
As the community mourns the loss of the young boy, support and condolences are pouring in from all corners. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones.
In times like these, it is important for families to come together and support one another through grief and loss. Counseling services and support groups may be available to help those affected cope with their emotions and find healing in the midst of tragedy.
While the discovery of the body brings closure to the search for the missing boy, it also raises questions and concerns about child safety and supervision. It is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when it comes to protecting our children and ensuring their well-being at all times.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the young boy who lost his life too soon. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a reminder to cherish and protect the precious gift of childhood.
