Stratford, CT — A heartbreaking search came to a devastating end on Friday afternoon when the body of six-year-old Jah was recovered from the Housatonic River, nearly 48 hours after he went missing.

According to Stratford police, Jah was found approximately half a mile from the spot where he entered the water near the Birdseye Street boat ramp. Civilian boaters spotted his body floating in the river around 2 p.m. Friday, bringing a sorrowful conclusion to the intensive search efforts that began Wednesday afternoon.

The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday when Jah accidentally fell into the river while walking along the boat ramp. Witnesses reported that a nearby employee of United Illuminating courageously jumped into the water to try to save the boy. Despite immediate rescue attempts and swift response from emergency crews, Jah disappeared beneath the water’s surface, sparking a massive search operation.

The U.S. Coast Guard joined the search efforts but announced on Friday morning that it would suspend active search operations due to strong and hazardous river currents, which posed significant risks to rescue teams.

Stratford police have maintained a perimeter around the Birdseye Street boat ramp, with police, fire, and paramedic units remaining on site throughout the ordeal. The community has been left deeply shaken by the incident, with many expressing condolences to Jah’s family during this difficult time.

Jah’s body was transported to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for a thorough autopsy to confirm the cause of death and provide further closure for the grieving family.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present near waterways and the importance of vigilance, especially around riverbanks and boat ramps. Authorities continue to urge parents and guardians to keep a close watch on children near water to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future.