KSP; missing autistic boy, 5, found dead in Kentucky

CUB RUN, Ky., (KBSI) — Kentucky State Police say a 5-year-old autistic boy who went missing Monday morning has been found dead.

Police had issued an Immediate Alert Notification, or IAN Alert, for Silas Chearer after he was last seen walking away from his home around 8 a.m.

Authorities described Silas as 4 feet tall, 60 pounds, and last seen wearing pajamas with a milk and cookie design.

Police urged anyone with information to contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or call 911.

The IAN Alert system is designed to quickly disseminate information about missing or endangered persons.

State Rep. Candy Massaroni, sponsor of the legislation creating the IAN Alert system, offered condolences to the family of a Hart County child who died after an IAN Alert was issued.

Massaroni said her “heart is broken” over the child’s death, adding that the system was created to respond rapidly in such crises.

“While I am grateful that the system worked as intended, today we are left grieving the devastating loss of a precious child,” Massaroni said.

Massaroni praised first responders and volunteers for their efforts, saying she remains committed to strengthening tools to protect vulnerable children.

“In Ian’s name and in Silas’s memory, we will continue to do the work,” Massaroni said, referencing Ian Sousis, a Kentucky child with autism who inspired the creation of the IAN Alert system.