Overview

• The Licking County Sheriff’s Office issued a missing-child alert for a non-verbal, autistic boy last seen near the 100 block of Gala Avenue Southwest in Etna Township.
• Deputies, fire and EMS crews, and neighbors searched the area with attention on a nearby retention pond.
• The child was reported missing around 1:35 p.m. and was found in the pond at 3:06 p.m., where deputies began CPR.
• He was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
• A victim advocate is assisting the family, Critical Incident Response support is being arranged for first responders, and officials ask anyone with information to call 911.