A Michigan The mayor's seven-year-old nephew, who vanished under mysterious circumstances, has been discovered deceased.
Mayor of Hamtramck, Adam Alharbi, posted on social media on Sunday that his nephew, Harbe Nagi, went missing in Menands, New York, with his last known location being the Park Drive neighborhood.
According to WTEN-TV, Harbe, who is autistic and does not speak, was thought by law enforcement to have wandered off during a family event.
A seven-year-old's motionless body was found in a neighbor's backyard swimming pool, according to the Times Union.
The members of Harbe's family mentioned that he was considered a 'wanderer' with a deep fascination for nature, particularly bodies of water.
Several searches were conducted around the local pool following the boy's disappearance, yet authorities failed to spot his body beneath the murky water, according to Lieutenant Kevin Schwebke from Menands Police.
The body of Harbe was found early Tuesday morning, and authorities confirmed that the cause of death was an accidental drownings.
"The details regarding Harbe's passing are still being looked into. More updates will be provided when they become available and when necessary," stated the Menands Police Department.
The heartbroken mayor posted about the incident on Facebook, stating: "We are deeply saddened to announce that he was discovered dead. We appreciate all those who assisted in the search."
Earlier, in a press statement, the Menands Police Department mentioned that Harbe had been to the location where he disappeared but wasn’t residing there, and that worries about his vanishing increased due to him being autistic.
Police stated there were no indications of wrongdoing or any individuals suspected in connection with his vanishing.
A reward of $10,000 was announced on Monday by the child's family through WNYT, offering it for his safe recovery.
Alharbi shared with the source details regarding Harbe's previous attempts to flee his residence.
He was attempting to leave the house," he stated. "He has autism. He has escaped from the home multiple times previously, yet the mother would track him down and bring him back inside.
The young man's burial ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, in Latham, New York.
"I truly appreciate all the affection, prayers, and expressions of sympathy we've gotten during this very tough period," Alharbi stated on Tuesday.
"Your generosity has provided significant support to our family," he further remarked.
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