The desperate search for an autistic boy who went missing in dangerous conditions came to a tragic end after his body was found in a pond on a rural property.
Five-year-old Khyzah was last seen on a property in Tiniroto, near Gisborne on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, on Sunday afternoon.
Khyzah’s disappearance sparked a massive search and rescue effort involving 50 police officers, helicopter crews and rescue dogs.
Around 200 neighbours from the close-knit community also joined the desperate search to locate the little boy after his distraught mother reported him missing.
Volunteers used cars, dirt bikes and even horses to navigate the surrounding areas, including steep hills and waterways that had been flooded by heavy rains.
Some traveled on foot for miles to navigate the rugged terrain while others traveled from far away to participate in the search.
The 24-hour-long search ended when police found Khyzah’s body in a pond at a nearby farm on Tiniroto Road at around 3.30pm on Monday.
Rescuers recovered Khyzah’s body before returning it to her family. Her body was later flown to Gisborne Hospital.
The rescue effort came to a devastating end when police found Khyzah’s body in a pond on a nearby farm on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Wayne Beattie said loved ones and the community are in shock over the shocking discovery.
“There were a lot of people crying when the news came that he had been found,” she said.
‘On behalf of everyone involved in the search for Khyzah, police have extended their condolences to the whānau (family).’
Sergeant Beattie also thanked locals who supported Khyzah’s family and the mammoth rescue effort.
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Darren Paki added: ‘This is obviously not the outcome that we, the searchers and the community were hoping for.
“We have a wonderful, close-knit community here, and we see the best of it in situations like this.”
Friends and loved ones took to social media to express their grief.
“My heart is so heavy right now. Sending you so much love and healing, beautiful daughter of Khyzah,” another person wrote.
Others praised the efforts of locals to support his family.
“I’m very glad that the community has mobilized as it did. It will give them the support they so desperately need.”
Hundreds of locals joined police in the massive search and rescue effort in Tiniroto (pictured) after Khyzah went missing on Sunday afternoon.
Locals provided frequent updates on the rescue effort on social media, saying people were searching “every hollow tree” and “every nook and cranny.”
“Our community is in mourning,” Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told NZME.
We’ve been through a lot of tough times over the past few years and I’m incredibly proud of how our community comes together.
“In these difficult times we support each other and take care of each other.”
Sgt Beattie said police would continue to provide support to the grieving family.
Khyzah’s death will be referred to the coroner.