A tragic update has emerged in the case of 5-year-old Joshua McCoy, who went missing from his home in Hauser, Oregon, last week. Authorities have confirmed that Joshua, who had autism, has been found dead. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office shared the heartbreaking news in a statement on Tuesday.
Joshua was last seen at his family’s home on the evening of Saturday, November 9. His mother reported that she had taken a nap with her son at around 1 p.m., and when she woke up at 5:30 p.m., Joshua was gone. A widespread search ensued, and after nearly four days, Joshua’s body was discovered just under two miles from the family home at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
As of Thursday, no arrests had been made, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death. The sheriff’s office has stated that all possible leads are being explored.
Before the discovery of Joshua’s body, several efforts were made to locate him. A pond near the family’s home was drained, but no significant findings were made. Additionally, while Joshua’s cellphone was located, the attempt to trace it through phone pings did not yield useful information. The search involved local first responders, police dogs, firefighters, and volunteers, with assistance from several counties in Oregon and California.
The cause of death is still under investigation, and an autopsy was performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office. The official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, but authorities have pledged to release more information as it becomes available.
Joshua’s tragic death highlights a common concern for families with children who have autism—elopement, or the tendency to wander off. According to the National Autism Association, children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal, may sometimes leave the safety of their caregiver’s supervision. This behavior can be triggered by overwhelming sensory input or a desire to explore something that draws their curiosity. Studies have shown that elopement cases can be dangerous, with many resulting in life-threatening situations involving water, traffic, or other hazards.
The investigation into Joshua’s death remains ongoing, and further details will be provided as the situation develops. The loss of such a young life has deeply affected the community, and our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.