Missing West Michigan Boy Found Dead
BELDING, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - The search for a missing 10-year-old boy has ended in tragedy, as his body was recovered from a West Michigan river.
Police say Devon Morrison's body was found Monday by divers in the Flat River — where the boy had gone fishing on Saturday.
Belding Police Chief Dale Nelson said they did another search of the river after they had not been able to find Devon.
Talking to WOOD-TV Monday afternoon, Nelson would not comment as to whether or not foul play was suspected in the boy's death.
"Of course, the medical examiner ... we'll have him look at Devon," said Nelson. "We'll tie up some loose ends, and then from there we'll be able to move forward."
Nelson said Devon's family members appreciate everything that everyone has done and are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support, but they are also asking for privacy at this time.
Devon was last seen Saturday as he headed for the Flat River with a fishing pole, police said. Authorities searched the river Sunday with boats and helicopters; adding more technology and divers to their efforts on Monday.
Nelson earlier said he considered the disappearance suspicious and was treating it as possible crime. The FBI and state police aided in the search.
Police said Devon would regularly fish alone at the river, which is about 700 feet from his home, The Daily News of Greenville reported.
Shoes were found in the river about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, and Nelson says family members were "pretty sure" they belong to Devon. On Sunday, volunteers joined officials in the search.
Devon was in the 5th grade at Woodview Elementary School.
Anyone with information about what happened to Devon is asked to call police at 616-522-0911.
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