Joshua Al-Lateef was missing just over 24 hours before divers found his body on November 21.

A missing boy with autism was found dead in Ohio just days before his 7th birthday.

Joshua Al-Lateef’s body was recovered by divers from a pond near his home around 8:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, November 21, according to a press release from West Chester Police Department.

The child, who was non-verbal, was last seen at around 5.30pm on Wednesday November 20 “near his home on Wyndtree Drive”.

Butler County Coroner Lisa Mannix ruled Al-Lateef’s death an accidental drowning, according to WLWT, NBC affiliate and FOX affiliate WXIX.

“We grieve with them tonight,” West Chester Township Police Chief Brian Rebholz said at a news conference on Thursday, Nov. 21.

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Al-Lateef’s brother was the first to call 911 and report his brother missing, according to WXIX. He said his brother was dropped off by a school bus and their sister was supposed to watch the 6-year-old.

In a separate 911 call, Al-Lateef’s mother said her son likes water and that there is a body of water behind her apartment, but he has never been near it, WLWT reported.

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About 300 civilian volunteers helped search for Al-Lateef, along with about 400 first responders from multiple agencies, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Related: Missing 5-year-old boy with autism found dead in pond near home: ‘A nightmare’

All crews searched through freezing temperatures and heavy snow until Al-Lateef was found after sunset Thursday, the newspaper reported. He was supposed to turn 7 next week, according to WLWT.

At the news conference, Fire Chief Rick Prinz thanked those who came forward to help search for the missing boy.

“It’s not the outcome we wanted tonight, but we’re very grateful for the support we’ve received from our community,” Prinz said. “All of Butler County Public Safety is grieving with the family and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. we move on and hopefully give them some peace.”