Body of missing Shamattawa boy found

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This article was published 22/09/2024 (398 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The body of a missing non-verbal boy from Shamattawa First Nation was found Sunday night after days of searching.

Johnson Redhead, 6, had last been seen Wednesday. He disappeared from the Kisemattawa Kiskinwahamakewikamik School at around 9 a.m.

“It is with great sadness that we share the following information on the search for Johnson Redhead,” RCMP said in a news release late Sunday night, adding searchers found the boy’s body in a marshy area about 3.5 kilometres from the school at about 7:45 p.m.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the community of Shamattawa First Nation, and to everyone grieving his loss.”

Earlier Sunday, RCMP spokesman Sgt. Paul Manaigre said from Shamattawa, where he was helping in the search, that Johnson was seen on video exiting a school door “that kind of leads him in the direction of the nursing station, which is just to the west.”

RCMP and community members launched a large-scale search after Johnson went missing, combing through wooded areas, trails, roads and sheds. The search was expanded to encompass several kilometres of forest and muskeg surrounding the First Nation, located about 360 km east of Thompson, Manaigre said.

A team was also scouring vehicles, appliances and “anything he could fit into” on residential properties, in case Johnson was hiding or trapped inside, he added.

Parts of the search focused on the western end of the community, near a gravel pit where the child was previously known to wander. Some community members reported spotting tracks there, but it was not confirmed whether they belonged to Johnson, Manaigre said.

Up to 40 experienced searchers — including members of the Canadian Rangers — were in the community Sunday. Dozens of volunteers from Shamattawa and other First Nations communities were helping. Resources included all-terrain vehicles, police dogs, infrared drones and a helicopter, Manaigre said.

A trio of search teams equipped with GPS were expected to conduct a grid search of the area.

Those helping with the effort were staying in the community, with some sleeping inside the school, Manaigre said.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca