Missing 7-year-old found dead at Hamilton conservation area

A seven-year-old boy who disappeared while visiting Binbrook Conservation Area in Ontario has been found dead, Hamilton police say.

Police said Nathanael Selambi was last seen at about 3 p.m. Wednesday at the conservation area on Harrison Road in Binbrook, according to a news release.

Investigators said Selambi was seen on the beach near the floating inflatable playground.

He was located Thursday evening and confirmed deceased, although the circumstances of his death are still not known. Police do not believe the death to be suspicious at this time.

He was last seen wearing a white tank top with Thomas the Tank Engine pictures on the front, green shorts with a small orange logo above the left knee, and green swim goggles.

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“The Hamilton Police Service extends its deepest condolences to Nathanael’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” police said in an updated statement.

A search had been ongoing since about 3 p.m. Wednesday, when Nathanael disappeared while visiting the park, Hamilton police media officer Adam Kimber said Thursday.

Kimber said there were roughly 1,000 people at Binbrook Conservation Area at the time the seven-year-old went missing. Nathanael was last seen near the water at about 3 p.m.

Hamilton police deployed its Ground Search and Rescue Team, Marine Unit, Mounted Unit and investigative units, along with all-terrain vehicles to comb the area.

Police confirmed also being assisted by an Ontario Provincial Police helicopter and the Peel Regional Police Marine Unit, according to a statement.

During the operation, emergency crews also responded to a separate, unrelated incident involving a male kayaker who capsized, according to a social media post.

The man was pulled from the water, taken to hospital and later pronounced dead.

Anyone who was at Binbrook Conservation Area on Wednesday and may have any information about Nathanael or the circumstances around the death are asked contact Hamilton police.