WILKES COUNTY, N.C. (WXII) – The search for a missing North Carolina boy has come to a tragic end.
Authorities say Zach Walker, 8, was found dead in a pond near his family home after going missing Tuesday night.
Wilkes County emergency services say the exact cause of Zach’s death has not been determined but foul play is not suspected.
According to authorities, Zach went missing around 6:45 p.m., prompting a 16-hour search effort that included between 100 and 150 personnel.
The boy’s family said he was nonverbal and autistic, and they had last seen him in their front yard.
Authorities said they are working with the family to determine how he went missing.
Ultimately, Zach was found at about noon the following day in a small pond about a quarter of a mile from their home.
Wilkes County emergency services said they had hoped for a better outcome while …