Body of Missing 8-Year-Old Lionel Cervantes Found in Pond Near Elementary School

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the tragic discovery of the body of Lionel Cervantes, an 8-year-old boy who went missing from Bells Crossing Elementary School. Lionel was reported missing on Thursday, sparking a community-wide search that ended with the discovery of his body in a nearby pond.

According to authorities, Lionel disappeared from the school grounds around 11 a.m. on Thursday morning. Teachers and staff immediately reported his absence, prompting school officials and local law enforcement to initiate an extensive search in and around the area. The search efforts were intensified with the involvement of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and additional resources, including K-9 units and a dive team.

As the hours passed, concern grew, and by the early afternoon, deputies expanded their search to surrounding areas. At approximately 3 p.m., a dive team located Lionel’s body in a pond off Lenox Lake Drive, not far from the elementary school. Despite the swift response from the search teams, the discovery marked a heartbreaking end to the search efforts.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding how Lionel ended up in the pond, but investigations are underway. The Sheriff’s Office has stated that while no foul play is suspected at this time, the case remains under active investigation. Officials are working closely with the school and local community to gather additional information and ensure a thorough understanding of the events leading up to his disappearance.

The Greenville community is mourning the loss of young Lionel, with many expressing their grief and offering condolences to his family. The Sheriff’s Office is also providing support services to both the family and the students and staff at Bells Crossing Elementary as they cope with this tragedy.

Sheriff’s Office representatives are expected to release further updates as more details become available.