CELINA — The body of 8-year-old MJ Ashmead, who disappeared from the Sutton Fields neighborhood in Celina, Texas, around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, was recovered from a pond that same day. Authorities described the incident as a tragic accident with no indication of foul play.

The Celina Police Department began searching for MJ Ashmead after he was reported missing. A large-scale search effort was deployed involving local, state, and federal partners, including search crews, drones, K-9 teams, and volunteers. The search included several ponds near the Sutton Fields neighborhood.

Just after 12 noon on Friday, the Celina Police Department notified MJ Ashmead's family members that his body had been located near the subdivision. "Just after 12 noon today, the Celina Police Department notified family members that the missing boy's body had been located near the subdivision," said John Thacker with Celina Police.

Police said investigators have found no indication that foul play was involved. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding MJ Ashmead's death remains ongoing, though officials have not released additional information about the circumstances or the exact location where the child was found.

MJ Ashmead had developmental disabilities and was believed to be on foot when he disappeared. "It was heartbreaking," said Sutton Fields resident Siva Uppala. "This is very unfortunate. Yeah, this is a parent's worst nightmare."