OKEMAH, Okla. — A family's worst nightmare.
Their two-year-old went missing early Monday morning and after a long day of multiple agencies collaborating in the search efforts, they found him dead.
Search crews said that was not the outcome they were hoping for.
“I have the unfortunate responsibility to let everyone know that we did find the boy unfortunately we found him deceased," Salsman, press secretary with The Muscogee Nation said.
With that announcement, the Muse family is mourning the loss of 2-year-old, Ares.
“Right now, I would just ask those prayers that have been prayed today from all over Oklahoma, and everybody that kept up with this story. Shift those prayers now to the family and to the law enforcement officers that poured their heart and soul into today's search," Salsman said.
Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department began the search early Monday morning after Ares went missing from his home in Okemah. Lighthorse police said the boy was in bed with his parents at 1:30 a.m., but when the father woke up at around 6:30, the front door was open and the boy and the family dog were gone.
As the day progressed, crews' search efforts intensified. Crews from more than 20 agencies joined the search, some on foot, others on Horseback, and others using drones.
Even Oklahoma Task Force 1 deployed with search dogs and their handlers, spending hours covering every inch of land and water in about a three-mile radius.
“There was an all-out effort to find this boy and we did find him, but unfortunately, he was diseased," Salsman said.
Searchers found the toddler a little more than half a mile from his home. Lighthorse police said there were three locks on the door and they continue to investigate how he was able to get out.
Trending Stories:
- Craig County Sheriff's Office locate missing inmate
- DOWNLOAD the 2 News Oklahoma app for alerts
- TU fan appreciation day to kick off first home game
- FOLLOW 2 News Oklahoma on Facebook
- Inola Police Chief under scrutiny for lack of decorum
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
