An 8-year-old South Carolina boy who vanished from his school on Thursday has been found dead, authorities said.
Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, who has autism, was reportedly last seen on the playground at Bells Crossing Elementary School. School officials said Ramirez Cervantes was in a classroom with two other students and three employees when he fled, according to WHNS.
Though staff chased Ramirez Cervantes, they lost sight of him outside as he ran into a field with high grass. Shortly after, a school resource officer and law enforcement were called to the scene.
About three hours after he vanished, divers discovered Ramirez Cervantes’ body in a pond near the school. Coroners said he was in about six feet of water and there was no evidence of trauma or foul play.
WHNS reported that Ramirez Cervantes was also nonverbal. It is unclear how he ended up in a pond, and police said no criminal charges will be filed at this time.
Ramirez Cervantes’ mother said in a Facebook post, “My boy did not have to (lose) his life this way. Negligence caused his death.”
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[Feature Photo: Police handout]
