A US town has been rocked by tragedy this week, following the discovery of a body in the search for a child who has been missing since New Year’s Eve.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, authorities in Denver, Colorado believe a body found in a frozen pond is that of missing David Puckett.
David, six, went missing on Saturday after ‘wandering off’. A major search of the area was launched shortly after, with fears growing for David’s safety amid sub-zero temperatures.
#Breaking: Body of young boy found in pond at Olympic Park, per @AuroraPD.
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) January 3, 2017
Believed to be David Puckett.https://t.co/kC0WVeWQE1 pic.twitter.com/87zxkUU6VB
Initially, police avoided the pond in Olympic Park – close to the child’s home – as there didn’t appear to be any cracks in the surface.
However, as the search entered its third day, a dive crew was sent in to search the water. Tragically, divers discovered a body shortly after.
While a positive identification has not yet been confirmed, a local police rep said the Puckett family is ‘devastated’ by the news.
This kid broke my heart. He's a friend of David Puckett's, and stopped by the memorial with his family. #FindingDavid #aurora @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/sMka4Cygy8
— Jennifer Kovaleski (@JennKovaleski) January 4, 2017
It's reported that the identity will be released once the coroner has determined the cause of death.
Foul play is not suspected, but the FBI are said to be investigating the pond as a ‘crime scene’.
A memorial has been set up by the local community, with friends and neighbours leaving tributes and messages of condolence at the pond.
