The body of a toddler was found in a septic tank hours after he went missing from his back garden.
Tragic Jose Lara, one, was found yesterday after a 24-hour search for him in Putnam County, Florida.
Putnam County Sheriff HD Gator DeLoach told local news: "It’s my unfortunate task today to tell you that the search for Jose Lara has ended with the recovery of Jose’s body."
Jose was reported missing after he left his garden on Sunday afternoon.
A search for the toddler launched and bloodhound teams were deployed to try and find him.
Authorities searched a bushy area where the septic tank was and made the grim discovery.
It was thought he fell into the tank after stepping on rotting wood.
DeLoach said: "Underneath the layer of dirt, there was a piece of plywood that had been there for some time and appeared it had rotted to the extent so that when he stepped on it, he actually fell in.
"One of our leadership team members that made the call to drain the septic tank.
"At that point, it was unfortunately when we discovered the child’s body.”
He said the investigation is still ongoing but at this stage, he doesn't believe foul play was involved.
Eric Jimenez told local news outlet WESH : "We were here last night to help out if we can find him, but we couldn’t.”
He was among neighbours and strangers who joined the search as Jose's mum was taking care of another child at the time.
“I didn’t go to work, I said I’ve got to do something for this family,” said Janet Arce.
She added: "As a community, this is the time for us to get together and support each other.
More than 120 responders joined the search as Sheriff DeLoach told local news the wooden cover of the septic tank seemed to spring back into place, which made it more difficult to initially determine the boy had fallen inside.
“We’re grieving with the family and ask for your prayers as they grieve this unimaginable loss of a son, a brother and a grandson,” said DeLoach.
