Screenshot of the statement

After an intensive multi-day search, the body of a missing 5-year-old boy was found on Saturday, in a remote mountainous area of Shishan township, Duchang County, in East China's Jiangxi Province. The child, who had been missing since the evening of August 13, was discovered without vital signs, according to local authorities. 

The boy, a resident of Lihe village in the county, was reported missing around 6 pm on August 13. Local authorities immediately activated an emergency response, mobilizing government officials, police, militia, and civilian rescue teams to form a comprehensive search operation.

The challenging terrain — thick with trees, heavy undergrowth, and complex topography — significantly hampered search efforts. Rescue teams employed police dogs, drones, and manual tracking in their attempts to locate the child, according to local authorities. 

After relentless efforts of over 20 days, the boy was finally found at around 8 am on Saturday in a deep mountain area northwest of the village. Medical personnel confirmed that he had no signs of life.

Preliminary on-site investigation and forensic examination have ruled out criminal activity, according to local authorities. 

"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by this tragic outcome," read a statement released by the local research team. "We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family during this unimaginably difficult time."