Tiniroto: Heartbreaking end to search for missing New Zealand boy

A desperate search for an autistic boy who disappeared in dangerous circumstances has come to a tragic end after his body was found in a pond on an estate.

Five-year-old Khyzah was last seen on Sunday afternoon at a property in Tiniroto, near Gisborne on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

Khyzah’s disappearance sparked a massive search and rescue operation involving 50 police officers, helicopter crews and search and rescue dogs.

About 200 local residents from the close-knit community also joined the desperate search for the boy after his distraught mother reported him missing.

Volunteers used cars, dirt bikes and even horses to comb the surrounding areas, including steep hills and waterways that had been flooded by the heavy rains.

Some traveled several miles on foot to explore the rugged terrain, while they came from far away to join the search.

The massive 24-hour search ended when police found Khyzah’s body in a pond at a nearby farm on Tiniroto Road at around 3.30pm on Monday.

Khyzah’s body was recovered by rescue workers before being returned to his family. His body was later taken to Gisborne Hospital.

The rescue attempt came to a devastating end when police found Khyzah’s body in a pond on a nearby farm on Monday

Detective Wayne Beattie said his loved ones and the community were shocked by the shocking discovery.

“There were many people in tears when the news broke that he had been found,” he said.

‘On behalf of everyone involved in the search for Khyzah, police extend their condolences to the whānau (family)’.

Sergeant Beattie also thanked local people who supported Khyzah’s family and the mammoth rescue effort.

Khyzah’s disappearance sparked a massive search and rescue operation involving 50 police officers, helicopter crews and rescue dogs

Inspector Darren Paki, Tairāwhiti area commander, added: ‘This is clearly not the outcome we, the searchers and the community had hoped for.

‘We have a wonderful, close-knit community here and it is in situations like this that people’s talents come to the fore.’

Friends and loved ones expressed their grief on social media.

‘My heart is filled with so much sadness right now. Sending you so much love and healing, beautiful Khyzah’s whanau,’ wrote another.

Others praised the efforts of local people to support his family.

“I’m so glad the community has stepped up. It will give them much needed support.”

Hundreds of residents joined police in a large-scale search and rescue operation in Tiniroto (pictured) after Khyzah disappeared on Sunday afternoon

Locals took to social media to provide regular updates on the rescue effort, saying people were searching “every hollow tree, every nook and cranny.”

“Our community is in mourning,” Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told NZME.

“We have been through so many difficult times over the past few years and I am so incredibly proud of the way our community has come together.

‘In these difficult times we support each other and care for each other.’

Sgnt Beattie said police will continue to support the grieving family.

Khyzah’s death is reported to the coroner.