Body of missing nonverbal 4-year-old boy found in Florida, authorities say

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR) — Police in Florida said investigators found the body of a 4-year-old boy who was reported missing Tuesday morning.

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office announced around 1:10 p.m. that Darrel Beck's body was recovered in a pond.

"The family is obviously devastated and we just ask that you keep that family in your thoughts and prayers," Sheriff Chip Simmons said.

The child, who was on the autism spectrum and nonverbal, was last seen Tuesday in Molino around 9:15 a.m., police said.

A "full force search" involving more than 100 first responders, including deputies, detectives, drones, K-9s, dive teams, as well as assistance from Escambia Search and Rescue, was immediately launched.

No further details were released regarding the boy's initial disappearance.

The investigation is ongoing.

In March, WEAR reported about "Project Lifesaver," a free program involving Escambia Search and Rescue, Autism Pensacola, and Covenant Care, that helps find individuals who wander away.