Search for toddler ends in tragedy
Abel Lunsford
Tragedy for one Van Zandt County family struck July 22, when 2-year-old Abel Lunsford was reported missing and was later found deceased.
According the VZC Sheriff’s Office, they received a call at 12:46 p.m. July 22 in reference to a missing child on Van Zandt County Road 4614, east of Ben Wheeler.
“The sheriff’s office, in conjunction with several surrounding local and state law enforcement agencies, volunteer fire departments and volunteer organizations conducted an extensive search for the missing child. The Texas Department of Transportation Public Safety Helicopter, as well as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Dog Team also assisted in the search,” the sheriff’s office said.
The toddler had been missing since about 8 a.m., according to a Van Zandt County official. He was last seen wearing a red shirt with a dinosaur print and a diaper.
The toddler was found deceased about 4:18 p.m. by law enforcement officials.
“The incident is still under investigation and the Sheriff’s Office will release further information as the investigation permits,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to those involved with the search, the search for the missing toddler was at “first hopeful and then very emotional.”
The Van Zandt County Precinct 4 Constables office held a debriefing about the incident Monday evening, July 25.
Social media posts indicate the child was found in a creek behind a relative’s home.
The VZCSO also asked parents with small children to take extra caution around bodies of water.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind parents, especially those with small children, to keep watch of their children and take extra measures around swimming pools and other standing bodies of water to assure their children remain safe. The summer season is upon us and children will gravitate towards water especially in extreme heat.”
An obituary posted on the Hilliard Funeral Home Facebook page lists the child’s parents as Marki Cochran and Kirby Lunsford and his grandparents Christie Stanford Carter, Charles and Madeline Stanford and Gerald and Carolyn Harrell.
Abel was born July 16, 2014.
A private family memorial service was planned.
