MOLINO, Fla. — Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers found a missing 4-year-old dead after sending out a missing child alert.
FDLE said Darrel Beck was last seen on Barrineau Park School Road near Ernie Road in Molino, an area about 26 miles north of Pensacola. Authorities sent out the alert just before noon on Tuesday, saying he has autism, is nonverbal and may be attracted to water.
Officials sent out an updated alert a little over two hours later saying he was found dead.
"It is with sadness that we report the child is deceased. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Darrel's family and loved ones," the alert read.
It is unclear at this time what led up to the boy's disappearance or how he died.
"After an exhaustive search, involving over 100 first responders, we regret to inform you that we have recovered the body of 4-year-old Darrel Beck. Please keep the family and friends in your hearts and prayers," the Escambia County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook.
