A 4-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, identified as Axel, was reported missing on June 5 in Geary County, Kansas. An extensive multi-agency search located him the following afternoon; he was taken to Stormont Vail Health in Junction City and pronounced dead. Authorities have released few details and say the investigation is ongoing. Family members posted tributes and asked for privacy as they grieve.
4-Year-Old Nonverbal Boy With Autism Found Dead After Search; Father Calls Him "My Best Friend"
Axel.Credit: Facebook
A 4-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, identified as Axel, was found dead in Geary County, Kansas, a day after he was reported missing, authorities said.
Search and Discovery
The Geary County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) said Axel was reported missing on Friday, June 5. An extensive search was launched immediately, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, first responders and community volunteers. Search efforts continued through the night and into the following afternoon.
Axel.Credit: Facebook
Axel was located the next day in the early afternoon and was transported to Stormont Vail Health in Junction City, where medical staff pronounced him dead. Officials said no further details about the circumstances of his death have been released and the investigation remains ongoing.
Official Response
In a statement, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to the family and expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search. The sheriff’s department initially reported officers were searching in the 1900 block of Swenson Road.
Geary County Sheriff's Office vehicle.Credit: Geary County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
Family Remembers Axel
Axel’s parents shared tributes on social media. His father, Togan Loneys, described Axel as his "best friend" and wrote that the family is devastated by the loss. His mother, Cheyenne Koppa, posted that Axel "has joined his family up in heaven," thanked the community for their help and asked for time to grieve.
Togan Loneys: "This is the absolute hardest time of our lives. I will never get to hold my best friend, talk to him, play with him or share my birthday treats with him."
Cheyenne Koppa: "Despite the biggest search party and a wonderful community, I didn’t get to hold my baby boy again. Please give us time to grieve."
Additional Details
Local reporting from WIBW noted that Axel weighed about 54 pounds and was around 4 feet tall. Authorities have not released a cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office asked anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
The community response — from volunteers who took part in the search to officials coordinating efforts — was highlighted by authorities as a reflection of local compassion and unity.
Help us improve.
