CELINA, Texas — An 8-year-old boy who was reported missing from his Celina home on Friday morning was found dead in a nearby pond just hours later, officials confirmed.
Authorities identified the child as MJ Ashmead.
His family reported him missing around 9:30 a.m. from their home in the Rostherne Drive area of the Sutton Field neighborhood. At 11:15 a.m., the Celina Police Department took to social media asking the public for help in locating him.
A Massive Search Launched Across the Neighborhood
Within hours, multiple law enforcement agencies had rushed to the scene.
A dive team was called to search a pond in the area of Wilder Avenue and Sandown Drive. CBS News Texas Chopper flew over the scene as crews worked the water.
The search involved an extraordinary number of agencies working together — the Texas Department of Public Safety air support, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office dive team, the Frisco Police Department K-9 unit, the Hickory Creek Police Department K-9 unit, the Prosper Police Department drone team, the Lewisville Fire Department dive team, and the Prosper ISD Police Department.
Despite every effort, the search ended in heartbreak.
Boy’s Body Recovered From Pond
Just after noon, Celina police notified MJ’s family that his body had been found in the pond near the subdivision.
No foul play is suspected, Celina police spokesman John Thacker confirmed.
“As neighbors and as first responders, the Celina Police Department and the Celina Fire Department, along with the entire city of Celina, extend our sincere condolences and prayers to this grieving family,” Thacker said.
Officials declined to share further details, citing the ongoing investigation and out of respect for MJ’s family.
A Community in Mourning
The loss has shaken a city that prides itself on being tight-knit, even as it continues to grow rapidly.
“Celina is a growing community, but we are a very close-knit community,” Thacker said. “A tragic loss like this cuts to the core of who we are as a community.”
MJ Ashmead was 8 years old.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information has been released at this time.
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