A 16-year-old boy with autism was found dead after an extensive search at the Willow Shores Campground in Cass County.

Cass County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the campground on U.S. 12 around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, after the teen was reported missing by his family. They said their son had walked away from their camper and could not be found.

Multiple agencies joined the search, including the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Southeast Public Safety Authority, Cass County Marine Division, Porter Township Fire Department, and Indian Lake Fire Department. Search crews scoured both land and water around Baldwin Lake.

K-9 Britton, the sheriff’s drone team, and a MedFlight helicopter were also brought in to assist. Sheriff Roach said K-9 Britton indicated the teen may have gone into the water. A short time later, a drone operator spotted the boy beneath the surface of Baldwin Lake just before 3:30 p.m.

The Cass County dive team recovered the body shortly after.