ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Ormond Beach police officials said Sunday evening that at around 9 p.m., the Volusia County Dive Team recovered the body of 4-year-old Waylon Childs in Central Park near Fleming Avenue.
The child did not survive, according to officials.
What You Need To Know
- Waylon Childs was last seen in the area of Central Park (600 block of Fleming Avenue) in Ormond Beach
- Many people offered their help, hoping to bring the boy home safe
- Police officials do not suspect foul play
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts are with Waylon’s family during this unimaginable loss,” said Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey in a statement. “We would like to thank the community and all the agencies involved for their support and efforts during this search. The Ormond Beach Police Department remains committed to standing with the family and our community in the days ahead.”
Ormond Beach Public Information officer Pauline Dulang told Spectrum News 13 that investigators do not know how the young boy ended up in the water but do not suspect foul play.
A major search was launched to find the missing 4-year-old boy in Volusia County.
According to The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Childs was last seen in the area of Central Park (600 block of Fleming Avenue) in Ormond Beach.
He was last seen wearing a maroon shirt, maroon sweatpants and gray shoes.
Search efforts began Sunday across multiple departments on the ground, air and in the water after officials say the child suddenly went missing while at the park.
“A father was with his three children at the park, all under the age of 5, and unfortunately, 4-year-old Waylon Childs went missing,” said Pauline Dulang with the Ormond Beach Police Department. “As of right now, the Ormond Beach Police Department is working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies from the state, county, and local level.”
Many people offered their help, hoping to bring the boy home safe.
“Anytime a child goes missing, it’s stressful,” said Trisha Kelly. “We need as many people on the ground as possible. We need as many prayers as we can get if you’re not able to physically search, post on social media, tell people to come out here to Rock in Ranch. They can park here and set out on foot and look.”
Dulang said children need to learn about water safety.
“What we want to do is educate our families and our communities about water safety from a very young age. All the way up to adults, you hear about rip currents at the beach too and just one current away you can drown easily,” said Dulang.