In a devastating update, the Ormond Beach Police Department announced missing 4-year-old boy Waylon Childs was found dead on Sunday night, hours after he was reported missing.
On November 17, 2024, the Ormond Beach Police Department in Florida issued a press release stating that Waylon was reported missing just before noon from Central Park off Fleming Avenue. Police revealed that the father along with three young children, including Waylon, all under the age of five, were visiting the park when the child went missing.
Police said Waylon was last seen at Central Park, in the area of the 600 block of Fleming Avenue. Police assured the citizens that law enforcement was doing everything in their power to locate Waylon and reunite him with his concerned family. At the time police said they were working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Sheriff’s Office to find Waylon.
However, on Sunday night police announced the Volusia County Dive Team recovered the body of Waylon Childs from Central Park near Fleming Avenue at 9:02 pm. Wesh, citing police, reported that the missing child was nonverbal and had autism.
Online community offers support to Waylon Childs devastated family
In a Facebook Post, The Ormond Beach Police Department condoled the death of the missing 4-year-old. In a statement, Chief Jesse Godfrey said:
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts are with Waylon’s family during this unimaginable loss. 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.”
In response to the post, the online community offered their support to the devastated family of the deceased child. A Social media user Lone Rose said:
“My Deepest Sympathies to the Family of Waylon Childs. This isn’t the news I wanted to hear this morning, very heartbreaking. Sending Prayers to his entire Family.”
Another user Lacey Notars echoed the statement adding:
“Sending love and prayers to the family. I have a nonverbal autistic 3 year old and my heart aches for you guys. I am so incredibly sorry.”
A local business owner commiserated with the devastating blow sustained by the child’s parents. In a post, Ainsley’s Place Food trailer said:
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“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of little Waylon Childs as they now have to deal with this unimaginable tragedy. Too many young life's lost due to drowning. R.I.P little buddy your family will miss you dearly.”
A social media user revealed several community members gathered at the beach to search for the boy after the disappearance.
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