Body of missing 4-year-old found in St. John’s River in Putnam County

WELAKA, Fla. (WCJB) - The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office confirmed around 6 p.m., the body of a missing 4-year-old boy was found in the St. John’s River.

Deputies say, Mason Newstead, 4, was found dead under a dock in the river after he wandered away from his home on Front Street in Welaka around 12:30 p.m.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death, however, deputies say the child appears to have died in an accidental drowning.

The Welaka P.D. will assume the rest of the investigation. Units from St. Johns County, Clay County, and Putnam County assisted in the search for the missing boy.

“We have victim services working with the family and we ask that you keep them in your prayers as they navigate this tragedy. We will continue to provide services they need and we ask our community to wrap your hearts around them,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.

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