Missing Buchanan County boy found dead

After an extensive search that included a drone and police dogs, the body of a missing 4-year-old boy from near Fairbank was found Friday night in a nearby pond, authorities said.

“At this time, the investigation is ongoing, however no foul play is suspected,” the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.

The boy, who was not identified by the sheriff’s office, was last seen around 3:45 p.m. Friday in the front yard of his house southwest of Fairbank. The sheriff’s office said it got a call about the missing boy shortly after 5 p.m. and launched a search.

In addition to using manpower, utility vehicles and dogs, the search used a drone, an Iowa State Patrol plane and thermal imaging to find the child.

The sheriff’s office said the boy was found dead at about 11:40 p.m. in a pond near his home.

The sheriff’s office said it was assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Independence Police Department, Buchanan County Emergency Management, Hazleton Fire Department, Fairbank Fire Department, Jesup Fire Department, Independence Fire Department and Oelwein MercyOne Ambulance.