DAYTON, OHIO: The body of a 7-year-old boy who went missing while fishing with his family has been found two weeks after he vanished. Lucas Rosales disappeared in Ohio on April 29 after 6.30 pm near Eastwood MetroPark, according to the Dayton Police Department (DPD).
As per the joint statement from the Dayton Police and Fire Departments, a passerby found a child's body in downtown Dayton's Great Miami River. Authorities responded to the scene and the body of the young boy was pulled out of the river, reported People.
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What was Lucas' cause of death?
Though the remains have been identified as Rosales' as confirmed by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office (MCCO), an official cause of death has not been disclosed. "Our hearts go out to Lucas's family in this time of tragedy, and the City of Dayton collectively mourns the loss of this precious young life," read the statement.
According to Rosales' obituary, the 7-year-old "was a vibrant and cherished little boy" who had an "infectious" laugh and "bright smile." The boy was also remembered as a "loving" child" who "touched the lives of all who knew him," and the obituary further read, "The loss of such a young life is a tragedy that no family or community should ever have to endure."
Rosales' sister 'saw splashes in the water' when he went missing
Police previously stated they do not suspect any foul play in the case but it remains unclear how Rosales drowned in the river. Talking to CBS affiliate WHIO, his sister Da'Najiah Wakefield said that she and her father warned him from going near the water. They said that they are not sure what happened after he joined the other members.
"My sister said she heard something fall and someone crying, and she said she saw splashes in the water and after that, we just don't know," she told the outlet. the young boy's body was discovered on Saturday, May 13, just after 5.30 pm, according to Dayton Police and Fire.
A special fund has been organized by Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home to help Rosales' family cover his final expenses and the funeral will take place on Monday, May 22. "As we mourn the loss of Lucas, let us remember the joy he brought into our lives. Together, we can honor his memory by offering kindness, compassion, and support to those who need it most," the obituary read.
