KENT COUNTY, Mich — The body of a missing 1-year-old from Byron Township was found Monday morning, authorities say.
1-year-old Noah Alan Jordan went missing around 11:05 a.m. Sunday in the Cutler Estates neighborhood, located at the 6000 block of Fork Avenue SW, near Division and M-6.
Noah's body was recovered about a mile from his home in Buck Creek, which authorities said they were concerned about during their search. The creek had been flowing higher and faster than normal due to recent rainfall. Monday morning, water levels had decreased 12 to 14 inches, helping crews with their search.
Sgt. Eric Brunner with Kent County Sheriff's Office called the situation "just a very tragic event."
At this time, there is no fowl play or suspicious circumstances suspected in how Noah found himself in the water. Sgt. Brunner said police are investigating and are in the early stages of figuring out how and why.
"There was a foot impression found near the shore, or the bank of that creek," said Brunner, "It’s smaller in size, but can we make certain it was Noah's and where he entered? We don’t. However, it is in close proximity to his home. So, there’s a very good chance a young child, being almost two, they see cars go by and they’re interested. They see water, and they want to go play in it. Unfortunately, that appears to be the case."
He said Noah's parents are cooperating with the investigation and are very distraught.
Police utilized drone teams, fire crews, a dive team and search and rescue crews to search for Noah. After calling off the search Sunday around 10 p.m., the effort continued Monday and the body was located around 9 a.m.
Kent County investigators were on the scene interviewing the parents and neighbors for more information Sunday. It was believed that Noah had not traveled far from his home.
Crews continue looking for one-year-old Noah Jordan
"It’s also difficult for the first responders," said Brunner, "because you want to work extra to find the missing kid, and when you do, it takes an extra toll on those fire fighters and rescuers as well. So, it’s a hard day for a lot of folks."
Brunner says Noah's family is working with the sheriff's office's resources to support them at this time.
"Our hearts are with the family and friends of Noah during this difficult time. KCSO will continue to support the family during this time of grieving," a KCSO release reads.
Neighbors who live next to the creek are familiar with the changing water levels of Buck Creek. Chuck Fetterhoff, who has lived next to the creek for 41 years, says he often sees children playing near the water. Throughout the years, he's told them to stay away.
"It happened about eight years ago," said Fetterhoff, "Same thing, same exact thing. The boy went in way down there, and ended up down Camelot. He was dead, drowned."
Fetterhoff did not know Noah, nor see him Sunday after he went missing. He said, "If I'd seen him coming, I would have grabbed him."
Other neighbors described the "chaos" of the search Sunday, with multiple first responders in the area.
Gary Frost, who lives on the other side of the creek, says he has been thinking of his family during this time.
"I have a grandchild that's about the same age he was," said Frost, "She lives in California now. I can't imagine going through what they're going through."
Frost said he prays for the family, and is glad finding him at least gave them some closure.
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