The parents of Gisborne boy Lucas Ward are devastated after the little boy's body was found in a river.
The 4-year-old's body was discovered by a member of the public about midday yesterday in the Waimate River, about 400m upstream from his grandparents' property on Graham Rd.
His parents, former Napier man
Damon and Jessica Ward, were last night being comforted by family and friends.
Mr Ward's aunt, Connie Tait, said she had spoken to her nephew, who was "just distraught". "My nephew is really devastated at the moment," she said.
"He was so hoping that he was going to be found alive, but obviously that hasn't happened."
Family members met to discuss Lucas' funeral arrangements and where the little boy would be laid to rest, Ms Tait said.
Although it was a distressing time for the family, she said there was also a feeling of relief, to be able to say goodbye to their little boy properly.
"It's closure. He's been found and now he's home and we can put him to rest."
Great Uncle Brian Hunt told One News that a group of Gisborne schoolboys went to the riverbank and performed a haka yesterday.
"It was absolutely magnificent." he said.
The search for the gregarious young boy had centred on the river, with police divers scouring the area after his bike was found on a path leading to a jetty.
A chip packet was also recovered from the river, believed to be similar to one given to him by his grandmother shortly before he disappeared on Tuesday afternoon last week.
The discovery of Lucas' body was a relief for police and searchers, said Gisborne area commander Inspector Sam Aberahama.
"I'm sure this will bring some sort of closure for the family of Lucas," Mr Aberahama said. "This is an incredibly distressing time and our thoughts are with them and their extended family as they grieve for their little boy."
A post-mortem examination will be conducted today and the case referred to the coroner.
Lucas disappeared as his grandmother unloaded groceries and answered a phone call in her Kaiti home. APN, NZPA
