BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — The body of a missing Bastrop County boy was found in a pond near his parents' home Sunday night.
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) said at 2:43 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, it received a report of a missing 7-year-old child. The boy's parents discovered that he was missing and immediately began to look for him. When they began to suspect that their son may have gone into a large pond near their residence, the parents called 911, according to the BCSO.
The BCSO and other first responders arrived in the area and began an air, water and ground search. The Austin Police Department's water rescue team found the boy's body in 5 feet of water at 7:50 p.m. The water temperature was 56 degrees.
The BSCO said that the boy was autistic and that it is "not uncommon for autistic children to be attracted to water such as ponds, pools, and water tanks."
The following law enforcement agencies assisted the BCSO in the search: Elgin Police Department, Elgin Fire Department, North Bastrop Fire Department, Bastrop Fire Department, Heart of the Pines Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Round Rock Police Department and Austin Police Department. Judge Cindy Allen, the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, also assisted.
Elgin ISD confirmed that the boy attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School. The district said that counselors and support staff are available to support students and staff as they process the loss.
"We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students. Together we will help and care for one another as we move through this difficult time," the district said. "Please keep the family and the BTW community in your thoughts and prayers. Let us unite in offering our support, kindness, and compassion to one another during this time of sorrow."
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family.