A 19-month-old boy, who had been reported missing earlier in the day, was found dead in a body of water near his home in Chatham County, Georgia, authorities confirmed. 

The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) led a comprehensive search operation with support from multiple agencies after receiving a distress call from the child’s caregivers.

The search began shortly before noon after family members, who were looking after the toddler named Saylor, reported him missing from their residence on the 1100 block of Bob White Road in a wooded area. 

The call to the police was made at 11:52 a.m. on Thursday, February 1., 2024, sparking immediate action from emergency services.

The response team included the CCPD’s Marine Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, and Forensics Drone Operator. 

Additional support came from the Savannah Police Department, the Statesboro Police Department, and Chaplain Services from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the urgent nature of the search for the young child.

Despite the rapid deployment of drone operators, divers, and a mounted patrol unit, the search ended in heartbreak. 

At 12:56 p.m., a member of the Chatham County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division discovered the child in the water close to the home. 

An officer immediately entered the water to retrieve the boy, who was then transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Preliminary investigations by the Chatham County Police Department suggest the child wandered off, and there are currently no indications of foul play. 

The department has stated that no further information will be released regarding this case, respecting the privacy and grieving process of the family involved.

Chatham County, situated roughly 250 miles southeast of Atlanta, encompasses urban and natural landscapes with unique safety challenges. This incident underscores the potential hazards young children face near natural water bodies and forested areas.