BOSTON (WHDH) - The body of a 4-year-old boy from South Boston who was reported missing over the weekend was found Monday on the coast of an island in Boston Harbor, authorities said.
Massachusetts State Police said the body of Mohamed Abou Fofana was found midday on the shoreline of Spectacle Island, less than 24 hours after he was first reported missing in the area of Castle Island Sunday night.
“We wished for a much different outcome,” said state police spokesperson Dave Procopio. “And we extend our condolences to Mohamed’s family, many of whom have been here monitoring the search.”
Crews had been looking for Mohamed ever since state police said he was last seen around 7 p.m. Sunday night playing in a park on Castle Island with a family member.
Police said surveillance video showed Mohamed leaving the playground on his own, though he then went off screen.
A massive search effort continued Sunday night and Monday morning, with the United States Coast Guard, Boston police, Boston fire, Massachusetts Environmental Police, multiple other area local fire departments, and Massachusetts State Police units searching by land, air and sea.
At one point, officials said crews found a blue Croc shoe of Mohamed’s about 30 yards offshore, which led them to believe he may have drowned. Still, crews continued searching.
Mohamed’s family watched and prayed during the search.
Speaking with 7NEWS, his mother said he was autistic and nonverbal, adding that he liked the water.
Just a few hours later, around 12:30 p.m. Monday, Procopio said a state police marine unit crew scanning the shoreline with binoculars found Mohamed’s body.
“There’s not one trooper, officer, firefighter, EMT, coast guardsman or anyone else involved who did not want a better and a happier outcome,” Procopio said.
A spokesperson for the Boston Public Schools also released a statement on Monday.
“Our community is in mourning following the tragic news that Mohamed Fofana, a pre-K student of the Lee K-8 School community, has passed away,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this difficult time.”
According to officials, Mohamed’s body was brought back to shore after being located, and was transferred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Officials said a death investigation will be conducted by the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County.
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