missing child greenville county: The search for an 8-year-old boy who went missing from Bell’s Crossing Elementary School in Greenville County ended in tragedy. Lionel Cervantes was found dead in a pond near Lenox Lake Drive.
Search Efforts
Lionel Cervantes, who was last seen around 11 a.m. on Thursday, was reported missing from the school. Deputies from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a dive team discovered his body around 3 p.m. in the pond.
Lt. Ryan Flood mentioned that video footage showed Lionel going through a fence before his disappearance. The search focused on neighborhoods around the school and involved various agencies, including the Simpsonville Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the FBI, and Foothills Search and Rescue.
Community Response and Support
Lionel’s mother participated in the search efforts. The community rallied to help find the young boy, showing the deep concern and support for his family during this difficult time.
The school was put on hold during the search to ensure safety and prevent any further disruptions. Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has noted that Lionel, who lived with autism and was somewhat nonverbal, had a blue shirt on when he was last seen.
Investigation and Next Steps
The cause of how Lionel ended up in the pond is still under investigation. Authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has been in close contact with news outlets to provide updates on the situation. For those following this heartbreaking story, WYFF News 4 will continue to provide the latest developments.
Community Grieves
This tragic incident has deeply affected the local community. The search for Lionel has ended, but the impact of this loss will be felt for a long time. The Greenville County community, school staff, and law enforcement are all coming together to support each other and the grieving family.
If anyone has additional information about the case, they are encouraged to contact 911.
