Missing 2-year-old found dead in river after he wandered from home, Michigan cops say

UPDATE: The missing child was found dead Tuesday, Oct. 10, authorities said.

While authorities originally said the boy was 3, he was actually 2, according to the Lansing State Journal and WILX.

Authorities said the autistic and nonverbal toddler wandered from his home Monday, Oct. 9, while his babysitter showered, WILX reported.

His body was found the next day in Looking Glass River, according to the Lansing State Journal.

Foul play is not suspected, WILX reported.

The sheriff’s office is investigating the incident as a missing person case, the Lansing State Journal reported.

“Please pray for the family during this tragic time,” the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.

The original story is below.

A 3-year-old boy walked away from his home and is still missing after an overnight search, authorities in Michigan said.

The autistic and nonverbal toddler was reported missing shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, in Watertown Township, according to a news release from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

Specialized units began searching for the child, authorities said, and the search continued through the night.

He had still not been found as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, according to an update shared on Facebook.

Authorities said the toddler is described as “a climber,” so he may be in a tree or on an “elevated structure.” Those in the area are asked to check their homes, buildings and security cameras.

The sheriff’s office said it would provide updates as they are available.

Watertown Township is about 10 miles northwest of Lansing.

This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 9:23 AM with the headline "Missing 2-year-old found dead in river after he wandered from home, Michigan cops say."