Body of boy missing in South Boston found in water

BOSTON — After more than four hours of searching, a young boy was found in the water after disappearing from the area of the M Street bathhouse.

Police said 8-year-old Kyzr Willis was last seen just after 2 p.m. Tuesday while a group of campers he was with was getting changed.

Kyzr apparently wandered away and a short time later police were notified. State police used their helicopters, boats and other resources in conjunction with search teams of lifeguards and the Boston Police.

"We checked the water, we checked the shoreline, we were out in neighborhoods, we checked the area around his home in Dorchester, we searched the best we could,” Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.

Just after 7 p.m. Kyzr’s body was found in the water. According to a preliminary investigation he drowned.

"This is the worst part of our job, dealing with a tragic death like this and again, we'll conduct a thorough investigation but right now let's all pray for the family,” Evans said.

Family members had been holding out hope all afternoon.

“He was the younger one, his older brother Ralph doesn't know, we haven't told him,” Kyzr’s grandfather Gary Willis told FOX25. “My grandson was one of the best kids around. Always looked out for his brother, always.”

Willis said the two boys spent a lot of time together at Carson Beach and even attended a day camp together at the L Street Bathhouse.

“Anyone and everybody who was praying for our family I appreciate it.  Everything you guys have done is fantastic thank you,” Gary said.

Police said their investigation into Kyzr’s death is ongoing. FOX25 will have the latest details as they become available.

Mayor Marty Walsh cut his trip to the DNC short Tuesday upon finding out about Kyzr's death. Mayor Walsh said he was devastated.

"I will be working closely with Boston Centers for Youth and Families and the Boston Police Department until we learn exactly what happened," Mayor Walsh said in a statement. "My heart is broken for the Willis family and my thoughts and prayers will be with them."

Commissioner William Morales from Boston Centers for Youth and Families also shared his condolences, saying, "The entire BCYF community is absolutely heartbroken on the loss of Kyzr Willis and our deepest sympathies go out to this young boy's family." Commissioner Morales said BCYF would be working closely with the Boston Police Department throughout the investigation.

Transit Police, Boston Police and Massachusetts State Police tweeted out their condolences to the Willis family.

Cox Media Group