An Alaska State Troopers search and rescue operation in Cordova early Wednesday morning ended in tragedy, after officers found a little boy deceased.
The boy was reported missing by his parents around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to Alaska State Troopers. The U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Forest Service and other local organizations assisted with search efforts – including by boat and air – troopers said.
Around 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday troopers found the boy deceased in the tidal flats. Officials said his body was sent to the state Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.
State Troopers didn’t release the child’s name. However, Cordova resident Jade Hackley posted on a local Facebook group seeking help in locating her 3-year-old son Leonardo “Leo” Hackley after he went missing.
She later wrote that the whole family was “completely devastated” after officers found her son.
“He was the sweetest little boy and we miss him so much. I’d give anything for him to be here with us alive,” Jade Hackley wrote. “Our 1-year-old baby lost his big brother today. They were best friends and Leo taught Hudson so much. He was a great big brother and the best son. An absolute light to us.”
Dozens of Cordovans had extended their condolences and well wishes for the Hackley family on Facebook by Wednesday afternoon.
