Boy Found Dead After Going Missing From Day Camp

Story Update: City puts director on paid leave, begins review of summer programs after 7-year-old's death

A mass search over land and water culminated in tragedy Tuesday, as officials report missing South End boy Kyzr Willis has been found dead, in the water near the bathhouse where he went missing, according to Boston Police.

"This is a tragic day," Police Commissioner William Evans told reporters around 8 p.m. "We all have kids. This is our worst nightmare."

The seven-year-old went missing near Carson Beach Tuesday, around 2 p.m. He was last seen near the M Street Bath House, according to police. Pictures shared by state and local police show a slim boy with a full head of curly, dark hair and a wide smile.

Boston Police, K9 units, Air Wing, the U.S. Coast Guard and State Police all participate in the search, which began around 3 p.m., it ended around 7 p.m.

Evans confirmed that Willis had been with a city-run summer program at the beach. He was last seen playing in the sand and water around 2:05 p.m., but did not return with the rest of the program's participants to towel off.

An investigation into the death is underway, and the mayor has been briefed, Evans told reporters.

Walsh issued a statement Tuesday night following the news:

"The City of Boston is devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Kyzr Willis, and I will be working closely with Boston Centers for Youth and Families and the Boston Police Department until we know exactly what happened. My heart is broken for the Willis family and my thoughts and prayers will be with them."

>> Photo via Boston Police Department

Please note that Patch has updated and corrected this story. We originally misstated Kyzr Willis' age, due to incorrect information from officials.