The heart-wrenching search for 4-year-old Mohamed Abou Fofana, who went missing on Castle Island in South Boston, has come to a devastating end. Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the body of the young boy was discovered on the banks of Spectacle Island, just over a mile away from where he was reported missing.
The grim discovery occurred at approximately 12:29 PM when a Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit crew spotted the boy’s body on the shore from their boat. Troopers from the MSP Special Emergency Response Team and the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County were immediately transported to the island by the Marine Unit, where they verified the identity of the young victim as Mohamed, according to a statement by state police spokesman David Procopio.
Mohamed’s body will be transferred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where a thorough examination will be conducted to determine the cause and circumstances of his tragic demise.
Mohamed’s grandfather had taken him and his older sister to the park on Sunday evening, shortly after 7 p.m. It was reported that Mohamed, who had autism and limited communication abilities, was playing while his grandfather was engaged in a phone call. When the time came to leave, the grandfather realized Mohamed was missing and promptly notified authorities at 7:30 p.m. Distraught and desperate for answers, Mohamed’s mother pleaded for assistance, saying, “If you saw Mohamed, please help me. Help me … my little baby, please, please.”
The search efforts for the missing child were extensive and involved marine units and dive teams from various law enforcement and public safety agencies. The Western Way, a section of the ocean connecting Dorchester Bay to the south and the Boston Main Channel to the north, was meticulously combed in hopes of locating the young boy. In addition, a dedicated dive team conducted an underwater line search along the entire length of the Castle Island sea wall, extending up to 150 yards off-shore.
The news of Mohamed’s tragic fate has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in mourning and grappling with an unimaginable loss. The local authorities and community members are offering their condolences and support to the grieving family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the details surrounding the circumstances of Mohamed’s disappearance and subsequent death remain a focal point for law enforcement. In the coming days, the diligent efforts of investigators will be crucial in shedding light on this heartbreaking incident that has shaken the South Boston community and beyond.
