Tragic discovery: Body of missing 7-year-old found in West Twin River

In Two Rivers, Wisconsin, a search operation was initiated on Saturday afternoon for a missing 7-year-old boy, Jacob Baer, who was last seen playing outside near Veterans Park. The boy, described as autistic and approximately 3-foot-5, had been reported missing around 4:30 PM on Saturday. Exhaustive efforts were launched that included local police, Coast Guard, and Wisconsin National Guard, who assisted with aerial support while K9 units and drones searched the area for signs of the boy. As night fell, the search continued with urgency but was hampered by concerns over dangerous conditions on the thin ice of the waterways. Early Sunday morning, search teams found several personal items belonging to Jacob in the West Twin River, leading to the identification of a possible location where the boy might be. By this time, community members had been urged to stay away from the designated search areas due to the hazardous ice. The Two Rivers Police Department later confirmed the tragic news that the body of Jacob Baer had been recovered around 3:00 AM from the river, approximately 5 to 6 feet below the surface. The department expressed deep condolences to Jacob's family and community in their grieving process. Officials used this incident as a cautionary reminder about the dangers presented by frozen bodies of water, especially during the transitional seasons when ice may not be stable. They emphasized the importance of closely monitoring children in proximity to such areas, especially given the risks associated with winter conditions. The community reacted with overwhelming sorrow and shock as news of Jacob's recovery spread, highlighting the need for safety awareness among families during the winter months. The incident serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the unfortunate tragedies that can occur in seemingly ordinary circumstances and the vital nature of vigilance when it comes to children's safety. This tragic situation not only affects the immediate family and friends of Jacob Baer but also has broader implications for community engagement with safety protocols around waterways during the winter season. As investigations proceed, the community collectively mourns and reflects on how to prevent similar tragedies in the future, encouraging open discussions about safety awareness for children with special needs, especially in public spaces.