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Missing 3-year-old boy found drowned, Butler County officials say

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Police siren

Butler County authorities recovered the body of a 3-year-old boy who drowned sometime on Saturday near Andover.

Deputies with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a missing child call shortly before 7 p.m. in a rural area south of Andover, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies arrived and started searching a residence. Authorities learned that the boy was playing outside, while an adult was doing yard work. The child reportedly wandered off and was not found.

The boy was believed to still be on the property, which was described as large with timber and waterways, according to a Butler County Sheriff’s Office news release.

His body was recovered at 7:30 a.m. Sunday in a waterway not far from the residence.

“Initial reports indicate that this is an accidental drowning but an autopsy will be done to determine the specific cause of death,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “There is no suspicion of foul play.”

Multiple agencies assisted with the search, which included the use of drones, divers and K-9s.

The boy is a family member of the residents who own property, but not their child, the sheriff’s office said. His name was not released.

Eduardo Castillo
The Wichita Eagle
Eduardo covers crime and breaking news for The Wichita Eagle. His previous work experience includes stints at KWCH 12 Eyewitness News, the local CBS affiliate in Wichita, and as a marketing manager for a local real estate team. In addition to writing, Eduardo also enjoys still photography and cinematography. News tips? email at Edcastillo@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6213.
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