The human remains of an 11-year-old boy who disappeared after he took his bike for a ride have been discovered in a cornfield in Iowa.
Xavior Harrelson, who just finished the fourth grade days before he vanished, had been reported missing on May 27.
After search efforts by local authorities, the FBI, and more than 300 volunteers, his remains were found on September 30 “in a rural area approximately three miles northwest of Montezuma,” said Sheriff Thomas Kriegal, CNN reported.
The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office informed the sheriff’s department “that the human remains have been positively identified as those of Xavior Harrelson,” the sheriff added.
Mitch Mortvedt, the assistant director of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, said the 11-year-old boy’s death is being investigated as suspicious, according to the Des Moines Register.
But the cause of death was not provided by authorities, the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.
Amy Adams, a spokeswoman for the FBI Omaha field office, told CNN that the FBI had assisted local authorities to search for Xavior.
The search for the student drew more than 500 people, 125 of which were members of law enforcement and 375 were volunteers.
According to the Star Tribune, a farmer found the remains of Xavior in a cornfield four miles outside the town of Montezuma.
The 11-year-old had just started his vacation after finishing fourth grade at Monzetuma Elementary School.
Monzetuma Elementary School Principal Kurt Hanna said Xavior went from one classroom to another on the last day of school to wish other students a good summer and to say goodbye.
“You never think that would be one of the last times you see somebody. I’m praying it’s not,” the principal said, adding that the boy is the kind of student that “always wanting to make sure you’re in a good mood and having a smile on your face.”
Monzetuma Mayor Jacki Bolen also told the Register: “We will never forget Xavior and his kind heart.
“The Montezuma community is greatly saddened by the news of Xavior’s passing. We express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Recommended Video For You!
“Kind-Hearted Man Buys All The Candy From Boy That Was Harassed By Old Lady”