Boy found dead at Oatley railway station two hours after disappearing from respite

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

An 11-year-old autistic boy who ran away from his carer while at the shops in Sydney’s south has been found dead after being hit by a train.

Police mounted a large search involving the dog unit and Polair after he ran off at Oatley Avenue shops about 7.15pm on Sunday.

The boy had been staying at a respite centre, police said.

He was found dead at Oatley railway station about two hours after disappearing.

Sydney Friendship Circle, a charity for families of children with special needs, asked the public on Facebook to help find the boy on Sunday night. Hours later the group shared the news of his death.

They described him as a “treasured son, grandson, brother and friend”.

“Today the world lost a beautiful angel. As we try to process this tremendous loss, your beautiful life flashes in front of us,” the group posted on social media on Monday.

“We are going to miss your mischievous smile, the joy in your eyes, your curiosity about the smallest creation and your zest for life.”

The state member for Oatley, Mark Coure, said the incident was “just heartbreaking”.

“My heart goes out to the family, friends and carer this morning of an 11 year old boy who last night was found dead at Oatley Train Station,” Coure wrote on Facebook on Monday.

“As a father, I can only imagine the grief of the family and extend my deepest sympathies for their unimaginable loss.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the child to contact St George police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.

