SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The body of a missing autistic 9-year-old boy, who had wandered away the day before a cold snap, was found Tuesday morning near a mountain road about 1 1/2 miles from his home, authorities said.
Logan Mitcheltree was last seen Saturday afternoon. His siblings told police he had been watching TV with them before he disappeared and was not wearing a jacket.
A state forester discovered Logan's body in the Tiadaghton State Forest, about 65 miles north of Harrisburg. No foul play was suspected, although the death was still under investigation, authorities said.
Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. said the boy had probably been dead more than 36 hours by the time he was found.An autopsy was scheduled Wednesday.
"As the hours went on, and the temperature went down, we knew the chances were slimmer and slimmer," South Williamsport Mayor William Miller said.
After Logan's disappearance, searchers combed a three-square-mile area around his home using dogs, small planes and helicopters. Fliers were distributed bearing his photograph and a sign company donated billboard space. Authorities said the body was located on the search area's fringes.
Children with autism may not understand the consequences of their actions, like going out in the cold without warm clothing, said Deb Knapp, director of special education for South Williamsport schools.
An aunt said Logan had limited ability to speak and communicated in part through sign language.