Title: Tragedy Strikes as Missing 7-Year-Old Autistic Girl Found Dead in Merrimack River
Date: [current date]
Source: [news outlet]
LOWELL, Mass. – The tight-knit community of Lowell, Massachusetts, is mourning the tragic loss of a 7-year-old girl who went missing from her driveway over the weekend. The body of Anna Mburu, who had autism and was nonverbal, was discovered on Monday in the Merrimack River in Tewksbury, according to law enforcement officials.
Anna’s lifeless body was found about 15 to 20 feet from the shore in approximately eight feet of water near Trull Brook Golf Course. The discovery came nearly 24 hours after state and local police initiated an extensive search. Massachusetts Environmental Police, equipped with side-scan sonar, spotted an image in the river that resembled a person, leading divers to recover Anna’s body.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan assured the public that foul play is not suspected in Anna’s death, as her body showed no obvious signs of trauma. “Anna’s family is now dealing with an unimaginable loss,” Ryan stated.
Anna was last seen in the driveway of her home on East Merrimack Street in the Belvedere neighborhood between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, according to Lowell police. As news of her disappearance spread, neighbors, teachers, and community members rallied together, searching desperately for any signs of the little girl. Hundreds of people scoured the area, checking their properties and those of absent neighbors with flashlights.
The search efforts resumed on Monday morning, with the deployment of bikes, four-wheelers, K9 units, and a drone. Authorities urged residents of Lowell and Tewksbury, particularly in the areas of East Merrimack Street and River Road, to review surveillance footage and search their premises thoroughly.
Deborah Agrella, a resident in the neighborhood, expressed devastation over the tragedy, emphasizing the special bond the community shared with Anna and her family.
While officials initially expressed hope that Anna had gotten lost or fallen asleep somewhere out of sight, the discovery of her body has deepened the grief within the community. The state medical examiner’s office is currently investigating to determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, the investigation into her disappearance continues.
In light of this heartbreaking incident, authorities are encouraging families with high-risk loved ones who are prone to wandering to contact the Lowell Police about their Project Lifesaver and Safe Watch Program. This program utilizes locative technologies to track missing individuals, facilitating prompt rescues.
For more information about the program, concerned individuals may contact Lowell Police at 978-674-1869 or email: [email protected].
This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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