Found Deceased NC - Maddox Ritch, 6 w/Autism, Gastonia, 22 Sept 2018 #2

[HayLouise]

@FBICharlotte Special agent Jason Kaplan: “the chief and I saw Maddox. It’s amazing he was found...it was extremely difficult to see him even standing right next to him.” #MaddoxRitch @WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

FBI says there is a lot of indication that Maddox was where Ian Ritch says he was at the time he vanished. @wsoctv #MADDOXRITCH

Tina Terry on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

The crew that found #MaddoxRitch was a group of about 15 people. The Chief says they have checked this area (where Maddox was found) a number of times before. #WBTV

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

FBI: There’s a lot of information that Maddox Ritch was where his family says he was & his movements were as the family alleges.

Fire Chief: Maddox’s body was found 1 mike east of the park. The area where the 6yo boy with autism was found dead was in an area previously searched.

David Begnaud on Twitter

 

[DisturbedConcerned]

I would say that is the direction the creek flow, west to east and I only say that because of the elevation decreases from west to east.

I assume they had moderate to heavy rain and the creek likely rose.

View attachment 148876

Google Maps
This is the area where Maddox was found. I matched it up to the video posted earlier:
MISSING 6-YEAR-OLD MADDOX RITCH:Police: Body found in creek near Gastonia park believed to be Maddox Ritch
I hope the presser will give us more information like was he in the creek or near the creek.

 

[mommabear23]

My heart just aches and aches for these parents.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

It is still imperative for anyone who was in the park last Saturday to contact LE. They need to have as much information as possible about Maddox's whereabouts prior to his disappearance.

 

[HayLouise]

@GastoniaFire chief Phil Welch: “there’s no sense of accomplishment...there’s grieving.” #MaddoxRitch


-says crew of 14 found Maddox.

-searcher who first spotted him actually walking down the middle of Long Creek.

-found a mile east of Rankin Lake Park.


@WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

Important:

‘MORE: Chief says it is NOT possible that #MaddoxRitch was swept out of Rankin Lake. There are screens that would have prevented him from being swept out. #WBTV’

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

@GastoniaFire chief Welch on searching area where #MaddoxRitch was found: this area is very marshy and searched with drones and foot patrols as RECENTLY as Tuesday.


@WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[JohnTate90210]

The park and lake are at the left. The creek is marked with with blue dots. The trail is marked with red dots. According to Google StreetView, once the trail reaches the highway, the paved part ends and it becomes rougher and continues under the highway. I've marked that section with green dots.

 

[HayLouise]

reporter asked if there's any sign of foul play in #maddoxritch case. @FBI said it's too soon to determine that #abc11

Josh Chapin on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

FBI says #MaddoxRitch was "camouflaged." Lots of underbrush, debris in creek. Maddox found partially submerged in creek. Live on @FOX46News right now.

Diana Alvear on Twitter

 

[Ed79]

I have been saying this since day one. I am so sad for the father. I really hope he is able to somehow one day learn to forgive himself for this awful accident. Sure it could have been prevented but I don't think it's fair for us to pass judgement. Raising an autistic child is a job in itself and each individual child and situation is different.

I always try to be as unbiased as possible (I don't think anyone can be 100% unbiased). It seems some people wanted to crucify the father based upon feelings instead of evidence.

This is tragic enough, attention should be on remembering Maddox at this point. Wait for the evidence to start rolling in.

Raising children is difficult enough, raising special needs children is even harder.

Everyone, make sure you hug those around you and let them know you love them. Life is short.

 

[HayLouise]

Officials say many questions still surround the investigation. Such as the cause of death. @WCCBCharlotte

Alexandra Elich on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

There we go:

Registered sex offender says his tip helped police find body of Maddox Ritch

FOX 46 Charlotte on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

FBI says this investigation is far from over and Rankin Lake Park will remain closed until further notice. #WBTV #MaddoxRitch

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

MORE: The two parents have been notified but they have not seen the body of their son. #MaddoxRitch #WBTV

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[JohnTate90210]

From Google StreetView. This is from the highway looking toward the park. The creek is difficult to see due to trees but I've marked it with blue dots. The paved trail is marked with red dots. The pavement ends but the trail continues. That section is marked with green dots.

 

[HayLouise]

Police Chief says the area where they found #MaddoxRitch was over a mile from the park. #WBTV

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter