Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi confirmed on social media that his seven-year-old nephew, Harbe Nagi, who had been reported missing in Menands, New York, has been found dead.
Harbe was last seen in the Park Drive area on Sunday. Police stated that the child, who was autistic and non-verbal, was believed to have wandered away from a family gathering. His family described him as a "wanderer" with a particular interest in nature and water.
Concerns over Harbe's disappearance were heightened due to his autism and non-verbal communication. According to police, he did not reside in the area where he went missing. There were no initial signs of foul play or suspicious individuals connected to his vanishing.
Harbe's lifeless body was discovered Tuesday morning in a neighbor's backyard pool. The pool had been searched previously, but his body was not immediately visible in the clouded water. Authorities confirmed the cause of death was accidental drowning.
A $10,000 reward had been offered by the family for Harbe's safe return. Mayor Alharbi had previously noted Harbe's history of leaving home, stating that the child had attempted to escape the house on multiple occasions before, with his mother typically following to bring him back.
The Menands Police Department indicated that the circumstances surrounding Harbe's death are still under investigation and that further information will be released as it becomes available.
Harbe's funeral is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 2, in Latham, New York. Mayor Alharbi expressed his gratitude for the "outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences" his family has received during this difficult time.