Missing Toddler with Autism Found Dead After He Went Missing on Family Outing to Florida Park: 'Heartbreaking'

Mar. 15, 2025

Waylon Childs, the 4-year-old boy who disappeared in Ormond Beach, Fla., on Nov. 17, 2024.Photo:Ormond Beach Police Department/X

Ormond Beach Police Department/X

The body of Waylon Childs, 4, was found in Central Park near Fleming Avenue in Ormond Beach on Sunday, Nov. 17, according to a news release from theOrmond Beach Police Department(OBPD).

Police said the child was at the park with his father and two of his siblings, who were also under the age of 5, around noon that same daywhen he disappeared.

A dive team located the boy’s body around 9 p.m. local time on Nov. 17, police said.

Dulang did not say how the boy entered the water. She said now is the time to “come together as a community.”

“It’s just an unfortunate day and a tragic case today,” Dulang told reporters.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office “and local law enforcement from neighboring cities” assisted with the search for Waylon, according to the OBPD.

“We pulled out as many stops as we possibly could,” Dulang said at the press conference. “We had eyes in the air, eyes on the ground and eyes in the water.”

In a statement, Police Chief Jesse Godfrey thanked the community and all the agencies involved in looking for Waylon “for their support and efforts during this search.”

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts are with Waylon’s family during this unimaginable loss,” Godfrey said.

The chief added that the department “remains committed to standing with the family and our community in the days ahead.”

Those interested in learning more about how to help Waylon’s family can do sohereandhere.

source: people.com