LAKE LAD TRAGEDY: Four-Year-Old Autistic Boy Found Drowned

The search for a missing autistic four-year-old boy has ended in tragedy after his body was found drowned in a lake.

Zaiven Wyatt Houke went missing on Monday, 11th April, in the Emerald Bay community west of Checotah, which is located east of Oklahoma City, in the south-central US state of Oklahoma.

But a search to bring him home ended in heartbreak after his body was found on Tuesday, 12th April, according to police.

Zaiven Houke, a missing four-year-old boy’s body was found dead in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, USA, on 12th April. (@McIntoshCountySheriffsDepartment/Newsflash)

Zaiven – who was non-verbal – is thought to have fallen into the water while trying to wriggle around a gate.

Newsflash obtained a photograph and a statement from the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD), which said: “Zaiven has been located.

“Unfortunately it is with great regret that we have to inform everyone that it did not turn out the way we hoped for.

Zaiven Houke, a missing four-year-old boy’s body was found dead in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, USA, on 12th April. (Newsflash)

“We would ask for you all to keep the family in your prayers.

“We would like to thank all agencies, their personnel, and civilians that helped in the search for the past two days.”

The police had previously said: “The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department is currently conducting a search for Zaiven Wyatt Houke (Age 4) who went missing from his residence located near the community of Emerald Bay, west of Checotah.

Zaiven Houke, a missing four-year-old boy’s body was found dead in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, USA, on 12th April. (Newsflash)

“Zaiven is 3’6” tall, weighs approx. 50 pounds, hazel eyes and blonde hair. Zaiven was last seen only wearing a blue and white diaper. Zaiven is non verbal.

“If you have seen or know the whereabouts of Zaiven, contact 911 immediately.”

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s (OHP) Lake Patrol reportedly stated that Zaiven was non-verbal and autistic, and was believed to have drowned in nearby Lake Eufaula a short time after his disappearance on Monday.

Zaiven Houke, a missing four-year-old boy’s body was found dead in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, USA, on 12th April. (Newsflash)

The OHP reportedly obtained footage showing the young boy running to a dock at the lake before trying to circumvent a gate.

The footage reportedly showed the boy falling into the water while trying to make his way around the gate.

He reportedly failed to resurface.

Zaiven Houke, a missing four-year-old boy’s body was found dead in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, USA, on 12th April. (Newsflash)

The OHP reportedly added that Zaiven was found drowned in approximately seven feet of water, about 40 feet from the shore.

Mum Brittany Hatcher reportedly said in a statement on Tuesday, shortly before the boy was found: “Given the circumstances, all I ask is for everyone to be vigilant and to please not give up.”

She had reportedly added: “My son is deeply missed and loved and all we want is for him to be home.

Police looking for Zaiven Houke, a four-year-old boy missing since 11th April, from a community called Emerald Bay, Oklahoma, USA. (Newsflash)

“I want to thank the community, all the law enforcement, those who have come out to search, and all that have been praying. You are all very much appreciated.”

A fundraiser has been launched on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to pay for Zaiven’s funeral expenses (www.gofundme.com/f/zaiven-houke-funeral-expenses). It had raised USD 2,535 (GBP 1,930) out of a USD-10,000 (GBP-7,620) goal at the time of writing.

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