Summary: Three-year-old Noah Woods was found in Decoy Pond in Brantham, Suffolk, on Sept. 16 after going missing from a Merriam Close playground the previous day. Authorities said Noah was non-verbal, had partial hearing loss and was undergoing an autism assessment; he had been wearing a Bluey T-shirt when last seen. His father, Rhys Woods, paid tribute to Noah and thanked the emergency services, volunteers and members of the public who joined the search. Police said formal identification was pending and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
Father Mourns 3-Year-Old Noah After Body Recovered From Suffolk Pond
Noah Woods.Credit: Suffolk Police
A day after he went missing from a playground, 3-year-old Noah Woods was found dead in Decoy Pond in Brantham, Suffolk, on Sept. 16, police said. Dive teams recovered a child’s body on Wednesday afternoon following an extensive search that began the previous day.
Noah Woods.Credit: Suffolk Police
Police say Noah became separated from a relative at a Merriam Close playground on Sept. 15. He was last seen wearing a Bluey T-shirt and reportedly ran down an alley toward a nearby new housing development.
Noah Woods.Credit: Suffolk Police
Vulnerabilities and Search Effort
Authorities noted Noah was non-verbal, had partial hearing loss and was undergoing an assessment for autism, and that he may not have responded when called. From the outset, local officers, specialist teams and volunteers mounted a wide search. Superintendent Tom Pearse said a "vast number" of officers and staff were deployed and praised the overwhelming public response, with many residents joining search efforts.
Family Tribute
“There are no words to describe the pain of this loss, we are all absolutely heartbroken,” Noah's father, Rhys Woods, wrote. “Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much.”
Rhys expressed gratitude to emergency services, volunteers and strangers across the country who helped in the search and supported the family. Officials said formal identification was still pending at the time of the announcement, but the family had been informed. Rhys closed his message on behalf of himself, Noah's mother and his younger brother: “You will be loved forever, you will never be forgotten and we miss you so so much.”
The circumstances surrounding Noah's death remain under investigation. Suffolk Constabulary asked anyone with information to contact them as inquiries continue.
Help us improve.
