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A seven-year-old boy was found dead following a lengthy search at the Binbrook Conservation Area in Hamilton, police said.
Nathanael Selambi was last seen on the beach near the floating inflatable playground around 3 p.m. ET, on Canada Day, police said in a news release shared earlier on Thursday.
“Following an extensive search of the Binbrook Conservation Area involving Hamilton Police, emergency responders, partner agencies, and community volunteers, Nathanael was located earlier today,” police said in a release Thursday evening.
“The Hamilton Police Service extends its deepest condolences to Nathanael’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
On Thursday morning, police said a command post was set up at the conservation area and officers were searching.
Const. Adam Kimber told CBC Hamilton that several units, including the mounted, ground search and marine units, were searching “quite a vast area.” The Peel marine unit and an OPP helicopter were also supporting.
Police were looking for the boy, including at some points at night, since Wednesday. They said in a post to X on Thursday at around 5 p.m. that Nathanael was found dead. No other details were shared.
Hot weather a challenge in the search
Kimber said Thursday morning some 50 people were contributing to the search.
“Obviously the heat today has proven to be a challenge for the people searching.”
The region has been dealing with a heat warning, with a humidex of 49 on Wednesday and a severe thunderstorm that quickly rolled through the area in the evening.
He also said police searched the cars of people leaving the conservation area Wednesday as it was being evacuated.
The conservation area in Hamilton’s southwest Binbrook area was closed Thursday, police told CBC.
