A 6-year-old boy from Virginia who was non-verbal and diagnosed with autism has been found dead after going missing over the weekend.
As per tragic reports, Landon “Waldy” Raber, was found in a small pond on the property that he went missing from.
The Buckingham County Department of Emergency Services wrote in a post on Facebook:
“While this was not the outcome anyone was wanting, or expecting, we’d like to thank everyone who was involved with searching all evening and all night.
“This includes, but [is] not limited to, VSP, all Buckingham Volunteer Fire Departments, BCDES, deputies from multiple other counties, and personnel from other volunteer fire departments.”
Landon “Waldy” Raber, a 6-year-old non-verbal boy with autism and Down syndrome, was found dead this morning in Buckingham County, Virginia, after being reported missing. https://t.co/MtwYd6SA7A
— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) July 11, 2022
“Please keep the family in your thoughts, and respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the department added.
PEOPLE say that the authorities were first made aware of Landon’s disappearance at around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, thereafter launching a search effort that involved Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia State Police, and Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sun report that the circumstances surrounding the 6-year-old’s disappearance have yet to be disclosed.
A cause of death was not immediately made available.
In light of the tragic incident, Landon’s grieving family arranged a gathering to honor their son.
Landon Raber (6yo), otherwise known as Waldy, wandered away from a family gathering yesterday. Search crews began looking for him right away. Unfortunately he drowned in a small pond on the property. 🥺
Buckingham County, VA pic.twitter.com/n7noJgvwUc— Rose (@901Lulu) July 11, 2022
“This will be a place to pray for and support the family and also to remember the sweet life of Landon ‘Waldy’ Raber!” a statement on the event’s Facebook page read.
“His short life has touched so many people and we want to take this time to show our support and grieve together as a community/friends/family!”
Rest in peace, Landon. All of our thoughts and prayers go out to his grieving family at this most terrible of times.
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