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Body Of Isaac Childress III, 6, Recovered From Mississippi River In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- After nearly two days of searching, the body of 6-year-old Isaac Childress III was pulled Monday morning from the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office says the boy's body was recovered around 11 a.m. near the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, about a half mile from where he was reported missing over the weekend. The child has been identified as Isaac Childress III.

The boy went missing Saturday evening at Boom Island. He and two other children were wading in the water when they got too close to the drop off and began to struggle.

One of the two adults watching the children, who were at the park as part of a bike-riding group, rushed into the water to help. However, the adult was only able to save two of the children from the river. The 6-year-old boy did not resurface.

Isaac Childress III
(credit: Family of Isaac Childress III)

Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson said this is the hardest case he's ever worked on.

"This was very tragic, one of these things we don't like doing as a sheriff's office," Hutchinson said. "They just went in to get their toes wet, and unfortunately, they got a little too far out. Fortunately, two other kids who got too far out got brought back in, but this young boy was not fortunate."

Through tears, the boy's mother, Dominque Alexander talked to reporters.

"I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy to feel what I feel right now," Alexander said.

Her son was a recent kindergarten graduate. Isaac was a little boy with a big smile.

"This moment, I … my baby is in peace. I have to bury my baby," Alexander said.

Amidst the greatest of grief, Alexander showed gratitude to those who helped bring home her beloved little boy."

God bless everybody who stood out here, stood by me, my family, my kids," she said. "I'm gonna stay strong, and I'm gonna ride this out."

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol and the Minneapolis Fire Department searched for the child, sending divers into the river. Also helping in the 40-hour search were the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minneapolis Police Department.

Hutchinson said the crews worked "day and night," adding that the recovery took an emotional toll on officers. "It's been a tough couple of days," he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the child's family.

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