Two-Year-Old Found Dead in Pond After Extensive Search in Webster County
WEBSTER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI — Sheriff Tim Mitchell confirmed that the two-year-old boy who had been missing since Sunday evening in Webster County was found dead in a pond behind his grandparents’ home on Monday morning.
Kye Mitchell, who had been the subject of an extensive search by more than 200 volunteers, was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue teams made the tragic discovery at around 9 a.m. Monday. The search began Sunday afternoon when Kye’s family noticed he was missing from their front yard.
According to Seth Mitchell, the Tomnolen fire chief and Kye’s cousin, the toddler had been playing alone when his family realized he was gone.
“He was alone, there were no other children with him,” Seth said. Kye’s father had been visiting his parents when the incident occurred.
A search team was quickly formed, and authorities, including Sheriff Mitchell, immediately focused their attention on a pond behind the grandparents’ home.
“When you have water nearby, you search all water sources,” said Sheriff Mitchell. “A 2-year-old can drown in anything, so we searched everything.”
The team first focused on draining a pond after a highway patrol helicopter detected a heat signal in the water. Despite their efforts, no sign of the child was found.
Sheriff Mitchell then directed the team to another pond, located 400 to 500 yards from the first. The pond had been searched previously, but the team revisited it in hopes of finding a clue.
“What’s difficult is that we had already searched that pond and the one behind the house,” Sheriff Mitchell explained. “We used infrared equipment, but we couldn’t get a reading.” Tragically, Kye’s body was discovered in the second pond later that morning.
An autopsy was performed on Tuesday, February 28. While the official report has not been released, Sheriff Mitchell stated there were no signs of foul play, and Kye’s death will likely be ruled as a drowning.
“This is pitiful,” Sheriff Mitchell said, visibly emotional. “It’s hard for us, especially for my son and me, because this hits so close to home.” Despite the sorrow, the sheriff expressed immense gratitude for the community’s support throughout the search.
“I can’t thank all the volunteers and law enforcement enough,” he said. “Please keep the family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements for Kye have not yet been finalized, but they will be handled by Oliver Funeral Home in Winona.
