A 10-year-old boy, Jackson Georgari, was found deceased in a pond in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, approximately 12 hours after he sleepwalked out of his family's home. Authorities located his body around noon after an extensive search effort.
Jackson was last seen on doorbell camera footage from an apartment complex where he lived around midnight on Thursday. His family reported him missing later that morning. A multi-agency search involving four police departments, the Kansas City Fire Department, and community volunteers was initiated. Drones and K-9 units were utilized in the search, which concluded when officers found Jackson's body in a pond about a mile south of his residence.
Fire and rescue personnel attempted to resuscitate the boy, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The medical examiner's office is working to determine the official cause and manner of his death. Police stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play.
According to Jackson's older sister, Semina Richard, he had a history of sleepwalking. The first documented incident occurred when the family lived in San Diego, and a second instance happened after they relocated to Missouri, during which he reportedly walked to his school.
The incident has deeply affected the local community. Kansas City Police Department Captain Jake Becchina described the situation as "unimaginable" for the family and expressed the community's sorrow. Neighbors who participated in the search shared their heartbreak and offered condolences to the family.
Briarcliff Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization confirmed Jackson was a student there and extended their sympathies to his family, friends, and classmates. Jackson was preparing to enter fifth grade in the upcoming school year.