A 6-year-old boy from Virginia, non-verbal and diagnosed with autism, was found dead after being reported missing over the weekend.
According to tragic reports, Landon ‘Waldy’ Raber was found in a small pond on the property where he had disappeared.
The Buckingham County Emergency Services Department wrote in a Facebook post:
“Although this is not the outcome we wished for or expected, we want to thank everyone who participated in the search throughout the evening and night.
This includes, but is not limited to, the VSP, all volunteer fire services in Buckingham, BCDES, deputies from several other counties, and staff from other volunteer fire services.
“Please keep the family in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time,” added the department.
According to PEOPLE, authorities were notified of Landon’s disappearance around 8:45 pm on Sunday and subsequently initiated searches involving the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia State Police, and the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sun reports that the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the 6-year-old child have not yet been disclosed.
The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed.
In light of this tragic incident, Landon’s grieving family has organized a gathering in honor of their son.
Landon Raber (6yo), otherwise known as Waldy, wandered away from a family gathering yesterday. Search crews began looking for him right away. Unfortunately he drowned in a small pond on the property. 🥺
Buckingham County, VA pic.twitter.com/n7noJgvwUc— Rose (@901Lulu) July 11, 2022
“This will be a place to pray and support the family and also to remember the sweet life of Landon ‘Waldy’ Raber!” reads the Facebook event page.
“His short life has touched so many people, and we want to take this time to show our support and grieve together as a community/friends/family!”
Rest in peace, Landon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his grieving family in these most terrible moments.
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