Police: 8-year-old boy found dead in pond near Wheeling home

An 8-year-old Wheeling boy was found dead in a pond near his home Thursday evening.

Wheeling police officers responded to a home in the 1600 block of Ottawa Court about 8:20 p.m. in response to a report of a missing child.

Police say family members had been searching for the boy, who they believe had entered a nearby pond. A neighbor reported hearing a loud splash coming from the pond shortly before the boy was reported missing.

Officers and fire department personnel initiated a search, during which the child was found unresponsive in the water. He was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased, officials said.

The boy’s death remains under investigation, but authorities say there is no evidence of foul play.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the boy as Vyom Joshi. An autopsy was performed Friday. The cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results.

“Our hearts go out to the child's family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” said Wheeling Police Chief Joseph Kopecky in a prepared statement. “This is a devastating incident for our entire community and we ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.”