A frantic search began after David Puckett went missing on New Year's Eve. A body found in an Aurora pond has brought it to a sad close.
The frantic search for a missing 6-year-old Colorado boy has officially ended with the sad confirmation that his lifeless body was found in a frozen pond, and officers have honored the boy with a wreath at the scene.
David Puckett vanished from his Aurora home after police believe he wandered off on New Year's Eve. Authorities held out hope for days, going as far as to increase a reward for info leading to his safe return to $10,000 earlier this week.
Read: Young Mom Dies in Front of Her 1-Year-Old Son While Recording Facebook Live Video
Authorities confirmed Wednesday afternoon that it was David's body found in the pond near his home.
According to the Aurora Police Department, no traumatic injuries were identified during an autopsy. The cause and manner of death are pending, per the Arapahoe County Coroner.
Police continue to investigate what events led to the little boy's tragic death.
On Wednesday, members of the Aurora Police Department honored David by placing a wreath near the pond.
Some 40 officers attended a brief memorial, where Chief Nick Metz offered words of support to David's family.
"We just wanted you to know how devastated we are and how sad we are and we are mourning with you," Chief Metz said. "I want you to know that, over these last few days, the members of the Aurora Police Department and so many other law enforcement involved here really wanted to find David."
In the days after David disappeared, the FBI and other agencies went door-to-door searching for the boy within 2.5 miles of his home and enlisted the help of bloodhounds as his terrified family clung to hope.
While they did not and still don't suspect foul play in the case, officials agreed to issue an Amber Alert in addition to the offer of a $10,000 reward.
As community members and people nationwide who've been captivated by the sad case looked for ways to help the grieving Puckett family, Aurora police on Wednesday directed donations to:
The David Puckett Memorial Fund
Space Age Federal Credit Union
Account Number 84527
3005 South Parker Road c-300
Aurora, CO 80014
Watch: Man Discovers 2-Year-Old Girl Wandering On Street In The Middle Of The Night
