Three-year-old Elijah Marsh (Toronto Police/Handout)
After going missing for hours, a 3-year-old boy in Canada was found in nothing but a T-Shirt, diaper and boots in -4 degree weather, according to the Huffington Post.
Elijah Marsh, of Toronto, was reported missing Feb. 19 after his family woke up about 7:30 a.m. to find him gone from their home. Police, along with volunteers and neighbors combed the neighborhood, but eventually found him near an air conditioner a few feet away from his family’s apartment at about 10 a.m.
Marsh was then rushed to North York General Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.
The tragedy touched many in the city—hundreds had volunteered to search for him; police officers wept as they carried his body to the ambulance, the New York Daily News reported.
“We regret to announce that 3yr old #Elijah has died. Our thoughts are with his family and all affected by this tragedy #PrayForElijah,” the Toronto Police Department tweeted that afternoon.
Elijah Marsh, age 3, is seen on surveillance video. (Toronto Police Department)
Marsh was remembered as an adventurous soul. “He’s very energetic and runs around all over the place. He’s a very smart little boy,” a longtime friend and neighbor of Marsh’s grandmother, Millie Dyer, told the Canadian Press, as quoted by the Huffington Post.
A funding campaign has been created to help the family with funeral expenses. The original goal was $20,000, but they have raised $173,532.
“Because of you, we’ve now raised over $150,000,” Justin Kozuch, the campaign’s organizer posted on campaign’s page. “I’m so humbled at the generosity of everyone who donated and supported this cause. Thank you.”