Missing 7-year-old found dead in Randolph County, sheriff says

A 7-year-old boy was found dead in a pond Tuesday, according to the Randolph County sheriff.

The boy, who had cognitive impairments, was reported missing on Sunday.

“This morning, at approximately 10:11 a.m., the body of 7-year-old Liam King was discovered in a pond near the area where he was initially reported missing,” Sheriff Gregory Seabolt said in a statement just after noon Tuesday. 

“We are absolutely devastated. I wish more than anything that we had a different outcome—for Liam’s family, for our community, and for the hundreds of first responders and volunteers who poured their hearts into finding him alive,” the sheriff said. 

King was reported missing on Sunday, Sept. 7, according to the sheriff’s office, in the area of Forest Hills Drive in Asheboro.

Seabolt said many people volunteered to help with the search.

He said they used all the resources they could, including helicopters, airplanes and thermal imagery. 

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and willingness to help,” deputies said. 

Related: Authorities searching for missing Asheboro 7-year-old