Search crews found a missing Missouri toddler dead in a pond near her Mountain Grove home Wednesday, authorities said.
According to KYTV, 3-year-old Vivian Fitzenrider had been missing since Tuesday evening, when she vanished from her family's house at 13th Road and Oakview Lane, authorities said. Law enforcement agencies and hundreds of volunteers searched for the girl, whose body was discovered at 7 a.m. Wednesday in a pond only 200 yards away from her home, the news station reported.
The Missouri Highway Patrol, Mountain Grove Police Department and Wright County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death, KYTV reported. A medical examiner also will perform an autopsy on the child, authorities said.
The Mountain Grove Fire Department offered condolences to Vivian's loved ones in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.
"We are posting this morning with heavy hearts," the department wrote. "As many of you know, the body of 3-year-old Vivian was recovered this morning. It is a tragedy that no one is prepared for and an outcome nobody ever wants. Our prayers now are with Vivian's family, friends and community."
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