**Oregon Mother’s Worst Nightmare: Autistic Son Found Deceased After Going Missing During Nap**
A mother in Oregon is grappling with every parent’s worst nightmare after waking from a nearly five-hour nap to discover her 5-year-old son, Joshua James McCoy, was missing. Tragically, Joshua’s body was discovered three days later, less than two miles from home, after he wandered away while his mother was resting.
### The Heartbreaking Discovery
On November 9, 2024, around 1 p.m., Joshua’s mother, who has been identified as Angela German by online sources, took a nap with her young son by her side. The mother, unaware that her son had wandered off during the nap, woke up around 5:30 p.m. to find him gone. His sudden disappearance prompted an immediate search by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.
Joshua, who was autistic, was reported missing just before sundown. Authorities note that children on the autism spectrum are at a higher risk of wandering or going missing. In many cases, they may be seeking refuge from overwhelming sensory input, such as loud noises or bright lights, or simply looking for a familiar or calming environment.
### The Search Efforts
After Joshua’s disappearance was reported, authorities immediately launched a search. His mother informed police that Joshua had a cellphone, but attempts to track him using his phone’s GPS were unsuccessful. Alerts were quickly shared with the public, describing Joshua as approximately 3-foot-6 in height, and responsive to the names “Josh” or “Joshie,” though it was also noted that he might not respond to being called.
Coos County law enforcement also cautioned against civilian-led search efforts, explaining that an influx of volunteers could compromise the integrity of the investigation and potentially miss crucial evidence.
The search intensified the following day, with drones, deputies, and detectives joining in the effort. Despite some clues being found, nothing definitive came up, and authorities even drained a pond near the home, but it yielded no new leads.
### Expanding the Search
On November 11, the search expanded, with a multi-county collaboration between Oregon and California authorities. The search involved 61 personnel, K9 units, and aerial support, but still, Joshua remained elusive. As days passed with no sign of the young boy, the community grew increasingly concerned.
Sadly, on November 12, the search ended with devastating news. Around 12:30 p.m., authorities confirmed that Joshua had been found deceased, roughly 1.6 miles north of his home in a wooded area. Despite the exhaustive efforts, Joshua’s life was tragically cut short.
### A Family’s Heartbreak
Joshua’s father, Lawson Amos McCoy, who lives in Ohio, shared a heartfelt tribute to his son on social media. Alongside a touching photo of Joshua, he wrote, “My precious baby! Bless you, my love. I’ll miss you the rest of my life.” The loss of their young son has left the family shattered, and the community is mourning the loss of such a sweet child.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, though no further details have been released at this time.
Rest in peace, Joshua. Your story has touched the hearts of many, and you will never be forgotten.
