Just hours after being reported missing in Ormond Beach, 4-year-old Waylon Childs was tragically found deceased according to a statement from the city police department. The somber announcement came after an intense search following the apparent accidental separation of Childs from his father.
A missing child alert was posted online on Sunday afternoon, with a Waylon’s picture attached as well as other key pieces of information. The Ormond Beach Police Department mentioned he was last seen with his father at Central Park off Fleming Avenue, along with two siblings who were also under five years old. Those helping search were urged to check bodies of water.
First Hours of the Search
Shortly after the alert was posted, members of the public were asked by the Police Department not to report to Central Park to try and help with the search. They cited the increased foot traffic as having hampered their investigation to that point. By 2:00 pm, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were assisting the OBPD with the search and were providing any and all resources needed.
Also joining soon thereafter were Florida Fish & Wildlife, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and other neighboring city police forces. “We will not rest until we exhaust all options and have answers on Waylon’s whereabouts,” Chief Jesse Godfrey said at the time.
A Tragic Ending
Late in the evening on Sunday, the OBPD delivered the update nobody was hoping for. At 9:02 pm, the Volusia County Dive Team located and recovered Waylon’s body within Central Park. The police didn’t confirm his exact location, but a small lake which takes up a substantial portion of the park’s area looms as a likely culprit in the tragedy.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts are with Waylon’s family during this unimaginable loss,” Chief Godfrey said. “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.”
