After a search involving scores of police, SES workers and community volunteers, the body of a 7-year-old boy was tragically found by divers on Sunday.
Scores of people spent 15 hours searching through scrubland and waterways, including the Scrubby Creek area.
Zepvontay Tafili went missing from his Queens Rd home, Kingston, at about 5pm Saturday afternoon.
Police said due to the boy’s age and a medical condition, which meant he was non-verbal, that they were extremely concerned for his safety.
The community rallied immediately.
But at around midday, 15 hours after he went missing, it was announced that his body had been discovered.
Police have not yet revealed the exact location where Zepvontay’s body was found.
Nor have they revealed the cause of his death, saying the matter is still under investigation.
Senior sergeant Glenn Ryder praised the community’s assistance with the search.
“Sadly, my thoughts are with the family and the family are being supported by family members and also by Logan police liasion officers,” he said.
Residents in the area were earlier urged to check their properties, including any structures or sheds, in case he was hiding or seeking shelter.
In less than 24 hours after Zepvontay was found, the community had raised almost $20,000 for his family via a GoFundMe page.
The page was asking for $10,000 to help fund the boy’s funeral.
“… let’s get together as a community and help fund for bubba’s send off,” the page organiser wrote.
“I understand it’s Christmas time and things are a bit tight [right now] so anything you can give will be much appreciated.”
