Body of Missing 5-Year-Old Autistic Boy Found in North Texas Creek

Tragic Discovery in Grand Prairie

• 💔 The search for 5-year-old Santiago Gonzalez ended tragically when his body was found in a creek behind his apartment complex.
• 😔 Santiago was reported missing by his family around 7:00 PM the previous evening after he reportedly slipped out of their home.

Community and Police Search Efforts

• 🚓 Dozens of police officers and community volunteers joined the search for the missing autistic boy.
• 🤝 Neighbors, some with personal experience with autism, expressed their empathy and desire to help find Santiago.

Investigation and Circumstances

• 🏊 The Grand Prairie dive team located Santiago's body submerged in approximately 4 feet of murky water in South Cottonwood Creek.
• ⚠️ At this stage of the investigation, police do not suspect foul play, indicating the boy likely wandered away and entered the creek.
• 😥 His mother expressed her desperation and heartbreak, hoping for his safe return, and suggested he might have been looking for a playground.