Associated Press
CADDO, Texas — A dive team searching a lake Wednesday found the body of a 6-year-old boy who disappeared during a weekend hike with his family.
Hundreds of rescue workers had been searching for Ira Clutter, who wandered off from his family Saturday in Possum Kingdom State Park, about 130 miles west of Dallas.
The lake was about a half-mile from where he was last seen by his parents and four siblings.
"It appeared like he fell from a large rock," said Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Kristen Everett. "Investigators found a skid mark real close to where he was found. We believe he was exploring the shoreline and he fell in."
Ira’s family said the boy didn’t know how to swim. An autopsy has been ordered.
On Tuesday, searchers discovered a small black tennis shoe in the lake, giving their first major clue to the child’s whereabouts.
"We didn’t want to give up until we found him. It’s not outcome we wanted, but the family at least has some closure," Everett said.
Volunteers fanned out to search the rocky, brushy terrain and dirt trails in search of the kindergartner from Silsbee, about 80 miles northeast of Houston.
"He was one of those little lovable honeys," said Billie Kyles, principal at Robinson Elementary School. "To tell the truth, my heart is breaking. I’m going to miss him."
Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.