Photo: Port Clinton Police Department
A 14-year-old Ohio boymissing since late Decemberhas been found dead in the chimney of an unoccupied home in a turn of events police say appears to be accidental.
“This is not the outcome anyone wanted, but thanks to your help and support, we have some closure for the family,” Hickman said as he fought back tears.
The house in which Harley’s body was found showed no signs of forced entry, and had locked windows and doors that were secured with a lockbox. Hickman said it is a summer home that is currently unoccupied and undergoing renovations.
He said a repeated canvass of the neighborhood led investigators to the house on Monday, and that Harley’s coat and glasses were found on the second floor next to a brick chimney.
The Ottawa County Coroner said thecause of deathwas compressive asphyxia, which occurs when heavy weight or pressure on the body prevents breathing, according to theU.S. National Library of Medicine.
The coroner said in a statement the manner of death appears to be accidental, and that final identification is pending and that final autopsy findings are awaiting toxicology.
Foul play is not expected, and an investigation is ongoing, said Hickman.
“This is a tragic outcome to the case and a tough loss to the community,” Hickman said. “We talk about people coming together in a time of need. That’s exactly what we saw throughout the community and beyond. I now ask for the same compassion and support as the family and friends begin to grieve.”
“We are heartbroken over the outcome but know every effort was made to find Harley. Chief Hickman shouldered the weight of this investigation which has resulted in a tragic loss for the community of Port Clinton,” the statement read. “No case is tougher than when a kid goes missing.”
The hunt for Harley had been in motion since Dec. 20, when the teen headed for school after telling his mother he felt sick.
“In the past, when [he and his family] have a conflict in the residence, Harley will go away for the night,” Hickman said, adding that Harley’s parents didn’t worry about not hearing from him until the following day because they had his phone.
In the weeks since, the Port Clinton Police Department continued to share updates as to the status of their search, and a reward for information leading to Harley’s return was up to $19,000.
By Dec. 26, police had searched more than 150 acres with the help of helicopters, search and rescue canine teams, and approximately 75 law enforcement agencies and fire and rescue departments — on the local, county, state, and federal levels.
Harley’s family issued astatementthrough the department on Dec. 27, thanking the community for helping in the search for their son.
“As you can imagine our family is terribly distraught at this time. This is not the Christmas wish we had hoped for,” the statement read. “We pray for the safe return of our son, Harley. Harley if you hear/read this, please come home we missed you, your family miss you. You are not in trouble. We love you. Thank you one and all for the continued effort and work you are doing, and for all your thoughts and prayers. Pray, share, keep your eyes open.”
source: people.com
