The search for Matthew Glynn, a 5-year-old Idaho boy who disappeared and wandered off during his birthday party, ended in tragedy. The Boise Police Department announced On Tuesday, August 6, search crews believe they found Matthew’s body in the water about a half-mile north of the street where his home was located.
“Sadly, this is not the outcome we all hoped for. Our deepest condolences go out to Matthew’s family and we send our deepest sympathies during this incredibly difficult time,” Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer said in a department statement.
Matthew was reported missing around 5:25 p.m. on Aug. 5, after walking away from his home near Alamosa and State Street, according to police. Authorities noted that he was last seen wearing gray Batman pajamas and was not speaking, a detail that added urgency to the search. Matthew was celebrating his birthday at the time of his disappearance, as reported by Fox 13.
In response to the disappearance, Boise Police, Boise Fire and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue launched a large-scale search operation. The search involved drones, K9 units and off-road vehicles playing the song “Wheels on the Bus” in an attempt to lure Matthew out. Ron Christensen of Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue told the BBC: ABC News that this strategy was based on an understanding of the preferences and behaviors of non-verbal autistic children.
“When you have an autistic subject who is nonverbal, they tend to exhibit preferences and behaviors that are potentially a little bit more predictable,” Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar explained during a news conference, according to a report by the agency. KTVB“So we used some of the strategies that had been given to us.”
The search efforts focused primarily on the canals, rivers and surrounding areas. The Ada County Child Abduction Response Team also conducted door-to-door searches in the neighborhood. Despite the best efforts, the results were heartbreaking.
“Water was initially our biggest concern and a major focus of our efforts,” Winegar said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this event.”
The Ada County Coroner’s Office is currently working to make an official identification of the body found and the investigation remains ongoing. However, Chief Winegar indicated that there is no evidence of foul play, stating, “At this time, we have no indication of foul play and no indication that there was anything other than a tragic accident.”
Matthew’s mother expressed her devastation at the news, telling KTVB she is “heartbroken” and struggling to process the loss of her son.