Heartbreaking End: Ormond Beach Police Confirm Death of Missing 5-Year-Old

The uncle of a 5-year-old boy with autism, whose body was discovered last week near his home in Coos County, Oregon, three days after he disappeared, described the child as a joyful and adventurous boy who loved climbing.

By Sheenu Gupta On Nov 19, 2024 Share with new partner:

A 5-year-old boy with autism, named Joshua James (J.J.) McCoy, was found dead last week near his home in Coos County, southern Oregon, three days after he was reported missing. His uncle, Joshua McCoy, who lives in Ohio, shared memories of the young boy, describing him as a joyful and energetic child who loved climbing and exploring.

The boy, affectionately known as J.J., was named after his uncle. In response to the tragedy, the local community in North Bend gathered for a vigil on Saturday night, coming together to mourn the loss of the young boy and offer support to his grieving family.

“My family, my mother and father, my brother, he is taking it really hard,” he said.

The older Joshua McCoy expressed his deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community during such a difficult time for his family. Although he was unable to attend the vigil in North Bend on Saturday night due to living in Ohio, he shared that he wished he could have been there in person to join the community in honoring his nephew and offering comfort to those mourning the loss. The heartfelt support from the locals has meant a great deal to him and his family as they navigate this tragic moment.

“The support that we’re getting from people in that area, and news outlets and day cares, and tons of people that are just calling us and supporting us,” he said. “They’re having that candlelight ceremony, they’re having a motorcycle ride, a jeep ride, with the sheriff and the police department in it.”

Saturday would have marked J.J.‘s sixth birthday, making his tragic passing even more heart-wrenching for his family. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office reported that the boy’s body was discovered about a mile and a half from his home. According to his mother, she had fallen asleep, and when she woke up, J.J. was no longer there.

Despite the discovery, the sheriff’s office has not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Last week, they confirmed that the cause of death remains undetermined, and at this time, no one has been taken into custody. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information.

“Now is a time for healing and remembrance,” the sheriff’s office said.

The family of J.J. McCoy shared with KGW that they are considering hiring a private investigator to help uncover more details surrounding the circumstances of his death. They hope that an independent investigation will provide additional clarity and answers, as they continue to seek a better understanding of what led to the tragic loss of their loved one.