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An alleged body of Maddox Ritch was found Thursday, days after the 6-year-old disappeared in broad daylight in a park in North Carolina, city officials and the FBI said.
Maddox, who suffers from autism and does not speak, was in Rankin Lake Park, Gastonia, with his father, Ian Ritch, and another adult when he started running between 25 and 30 feet, his father told reporters. .
"I feel guilty for letting him take a step ahead of me," said Ian Ritch.
Gastonia Police Department
The boy suffers from diabetes and neuropathy, which can make his race difficult, his father said.
"As soon as I got to the point where I could not see him anymore, I started to panic," said Ian Ritch.
WSOC
The disappearance triggered a massive search by local, state and federal investigators, who searched the field with police dogs, searched garbage cans, crossed the lake with sonars and divers.
The FBI Underwater Response Team in Research and Evidence is in the water at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia, as part of ongoing research efforts to find Maddox Ritch, six years old. We desperately need to hear from ALL in the park on Saturday. 704-869-1075. #FindMaddox pic.twitter.com/LCb1CDQ2sl
– FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) September 27, 2018
The search for Maddox Ritch, 6, leaves no room for anything. The Gaston County Police went down into a manhole just to be safe. #FindMaddox. Call the advice line! We desperately need to hear about those in the park on Saturday. 704-869-1075. pic.twitter.com/BiIUHfoftn
– FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) September 26, 2018
The authorities also recorded messages from Maddox's parents and played these messages in the woods in the hope that their voices would persuade him to go out when he was there.
The body suspected of being Maddox was found off the Marietta / Old Dallas Highway in Gastonia, about two kilometers from the park, officials said Thursday afternoon.
His parents have been warned, the FBI said.
With a heavy heart, we announce that Maddox Ritch, a 6 year old boy, was found around 13 hours. from Marietta Street / Old Dallas Highway to Gastonia. Maddox's parents were informed of the discovery. The investigation is underway
– FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) September 27, 2018
"Maddox is my whole world and my reason for living," said her mother, Carrie Ritch, at a press conference Tuesday.
"I want my baby back in my arms," she says through tears.
This story is growing. Please check for more updates.
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