Missing boy’s body is finally found in Yakima River 110 days after he disappeared: Child, 5, ‘wandered into the water’ and died from accidental drowning in September, cops believe
- Lucian Munguia, 5, vanished while playing with his brother in September
- His father Juano had been changing his youngest child’s diaper at the time
- The 5-year-olds remains were discovered on December 29 in Yakima River
- Officers have confirmed that there is no criminal activity relating to the death
The body of a five-year-old boy who was reported missing more than four months ago has been found in the Yakima River.
Lucian Munguia vanished on a family trip to Sarg Hubbard park while his father was changing his youngest child’s diaper.
Juano Munguia had taken his three children to the park, leaving Lucian to play with his brother, 6, close by on September 10.
He walked back to where the boys had been playing ‘one minute later’, but Lucian, who has autism and is mostly non-verbal – had vanished.
Lucian Munguia, 5, vanished on a family trip to Sarg Hubbard park while his father was changing his youngest child’s diaper
His heartbroken mother Sandra said that their ‘Christmas isn’t so merry without’ the little boy
Police confirmed that the little boy’s body was discovered on December 29, with his cause of death being confirmed as accidental drowning 110 days after he went missing.
The child left the playground alone and walked in directors of multiple bodies of water, with his remains being confirmed by dental records.
His family desperately searched the areas in the days after his disappearance, with a dive team and police dogs also being brought in to help.
Lucian’s mother Sandra Munguia offered a $10,000 reward for his safe return in October, and the family have since set up a GoFundMe page.
His father Juano, right, walked the park every morning and waded through bodies of water to see if there was any way of finding his son
The little boy’s body was discovered in the Yakima River on December 29 – 110 days after he vanished
Days before his death was announced, she wished her son a Merry Christmas, adding: ‘I wish you were here with us spreading joy like you would every day of our lives. Christmas isn’t so merry without you.’
His father Juano walked the park every morning and waded through bodies of water to see if there was any way of finding his son.
In a statement posted online, the family said: ‘We regret to inform all of you that Lucian has been found but unfortunately, it was with tragic news.
‘Our hearts are forever broken and we will never be the same. The family will be unavailable at this time and we will not be answering any questions.
Police have confirmed that there is no signs of criminal activity in connection with Lucian’s death
Lucian’s mother Sandra Munguia offered a $10,000 reward for his safe return in October, and the family have since set up a GoFundMe page
‘We thank you all for the support and love you gave to us and more importantly, to Lucian. We are forever grateful for the help you all were.’
Yakima Police added: ‘Based on the results of the autopsy, there is no indication of criminal acts that led to Lucian’s death.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Lucian.’
Lucian, who celebrated his fifth birthday while he was missing, was described as ‘energetic, outgoing, loving and smart’ by his parents.
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