Photo: Courtesy of the Massachusetts State Police.
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After days of searching in the Merrimack River, the body of a six-year-old swept in the current was found Sunday morning.
The Amesbury Police Department says the body of the young boy, identified to be Mas DeChhat of Lowell, was recovered and his family has been notified. The Massachusetts State Police say a kayaker found the body in the Merrimack River Sunday morning.
"We pray this gives the family some closure," the APD.
According to the Massachusetts State Police, the DeChhat family was fishing and swimming on Deer Island Thursday evening when Mas fell into the Merrimack River, after which both his mother and sister jumped in after him. The mother, Boua DeChatt, and Mas' sister were swept towards Whittier Bridge where a passing boater pulled them out of the water. Mas was not in sight as his family members were brought out of the river.
Police say the father saw his family in the water and jumped in after them, but that he was not able to reach them and struggled in the river himself. He eventually made it to shore and was treated for hypothermia, officials said.
Boua, who had entered the water to save her children, drowned and was pronounced dead at Anna Jacques Hospital. Mas' sister was treated at the same hospital and was released.
Read More: Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Boy In Merrimack River
Crews and dive teams searched over the weekend for Mas' body, utilizing side scanning sonars.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App