Body of Missing 4-Year-Old Boy Found 13 Days After He Fell Into River While Fishing with Family: ‘The Hardest Moment’

Body of Missing 4-Year-Old Found 2 Weeks After He Fell Into River While Fishing

The community of Massachusetts is in mourning as the body of 4-year-old Azriel Lopez has been recovered from the Merrimack River nearly two weeks after he was reported missing. The tragic incident occurred when Azriel fell out of a boat and was swept away by the river’s current while fishing with his family on April 19. The news of Azriel’s discovery has brought immense sorrow to his loved ones and the wider community.

On May 2, the lifeless body of Azriel Lopez was pulled from the Merrimack River in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, approximately six miles away from the location where he went missing. In a joint press release by the Middlesex district attorney, Lowell Police superintendent, and Massachusetts State Police colonel, it was confirmed that Azriel had been found after an off-duty lieutenant with the Massachusetts State Police spotted a body near a golf course while on the river in a personal boat around 9 a.m. that fateful day.

Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit and Dive Team assisting in the recovery of the body, which was later identified as Azriel. The official statement indicated that there is no suspicion of foul play, and the case has been referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further investigation. The outpouring of support and condolences for Azriel and his family has been overwhelming.

Azriel Lopez’s disappearance on April 19 had triggered a massive search and rescue operation involving numerous agencies and volunteers from around the state. The efforts to locate the missing child spanned over a week, with specialised units like the Lowell Police Drone unit and Massachusetts State Police Airwing utilising advanced technologies such as infrared and sonar to scour the river and its vicinity. The community rallied together in a display of solidarity during the search for Azriel.

Linda Lopez, Azriel’s aunt, shared poignant words expressing the family’s grief and relief upon finding Azriel’s body. She described the moment as “the hardest” they have had to face but acknowledged that finally being able to give Azriel a proper burial brought a sense of closure to their ordeal. The touching memorial set up in Lowell by friends and family members serves as a tribute to Azriel and a place for those who knew him to remember the young soul lost too soon.

As the community mourns the loss of Azriel Lopez, the tragic outcome has highlighted the importance of water safety and vigilance when engaging in outdoor activities, especially with young children. The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the unpredictable nature of bodies of water and the need for caution to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from reoccurring.

The recovery of Azriel’s body has brought a mix of emotions to those involved in the search and to the wider community. The unity and support shown during this challenging time underscore the strength and compassion present within the Massachusetts community, as they come together to honour Azriel’s memory and provide solace to his grieving family. May Azriel rest in peace, his memory cherished by all who knew him.