The search for a 5-year-old boy who wandered away from his birthday party ended tragically with his body being pulled from a canal.
Matthew Glynn vanished from his Boise, Idaho, home late afternoon on Monday amid his fifth birthday festivities, setting off a big search effort that included playing his favorite song, The Wheels on the Bus, KTVB reported.
On Tuesday, the Boise Police Department shared ‘sad news’ from the effort. Crews believe they found Matthew’s body around 11.30am about a half mile down Farmers Union Canal north of State Street, in the water.
‘Sadly, this is not the outcome we were all hoping for,’ stated Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer on Facebook.
‘Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.’
Matthew, who was autistic and non-verbal, was last seen wearing Batman pajamas and a yellow collar, and likely did not have shoes on.
He walked away around 5.45pm on Monday, prompting the Boise Police Department to send out a ‘Code Red’ alert for missing children who vanish on their own and were not abducted. By contrast, Amber Alerts are issued for kidnapped people or children.
The Ada County Coroner’s Office is expected to officially identify the body.
There did not appear to be signs of foul play, though an investigation continues, police said.
‘We are heartbroken over this development today. The water was initially our biggest concern and a large focus of our efforts,’ stated 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.’
Matthew’s mother, who was not identified, told KTVB that she was ‘heartbroken’ and still trying to process the tragedy. She asked the community to wear blue, her son’s favorite color, on Wednesday in honor of him.
Authorities have encouraged the public to sign up for Code Red alerts.
The police chief added that canals should be avoided and are not places for recreational activities.
Matthew disappeared less than a year after a 3-year-old autistic boy walked away from his home in Watertown Township, Michigan, as his babysitter was showering and was found dead in a river.
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