Chase Martens’ drowned in creek near home: Manitoba RCMP

An autopsy confirms the death of two-year-old Chase Martens was caused by drowning.

RCMP tweeted out the information Monday morning.

READ MORE: Autopsy of Chase Martens to be performed Sunday

Meanwhile, a vigil for the toddler was held Sunday night after his body was found in a creek near his family’s home in Austin, Man. Saturday.

RCMP said Chase was playing outside alone when he wandered away from the family farm Tuesday evening.  Hundreds of volunteers searched for the boy for five days.

“I think as parents we can all reflect on mistakes we’ve made and we didn’t pay the price this way,” said Christy Dzikowicz, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think as parents we can all reflect on mistakes we've made and we didn't pay the price this way," said Christy Dzikowicz, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

“This was a boy that came from a very loving home and I think the lifestyle on a farm is very very different.”

His heartbroken parents and friends gathered to remember the little boy Sunday night.  His teddy bear and toys were placed on the creek bank as his parents tossed a single white and pink flower into the water.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection issued a statement for the family who thanked the RCMP, fire crews and the thousands of volunteers who helped search for Chase.

READ MORE: Family of Chase Martens “completely devastated” after toddler’s body found

The Martens family is asking for privacy now as they grieve as many Canadians hug their little loved ones a little tighter.

“It impacts us all, to lose a loved one is always hard but when it’s a baby it makes it that much worse,” said James Favel who helped search for the toddler with Bear Clan Patrol.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It impacts us all, to lose a loved one is always hard but when it's a baby it makes it that much worse," said James Favel who helped search for the toddler with Bear Clan Patrol.

“Right now they’re absolutely traumatized,” said Dzikowicz. “I’m really optimistic that the way the community showed their support all week if that continues that will go a long way.  This is going to be a long and painful process.”

RCMP said there are no signs of foul play in his death but the investigation is not complete.

“We owe it to the family, the community and the province to exercise due diligence and investigate the next steps,” said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Bert Paquet. “The next few days we’ll have a dedicated team of investigator providing answers to all the questions we still have.”

PHOTO GALLERY: Manitobans honour Chase Martens in Austin on Sunday