The body of 7-year-old Sawyer Cipolla – who went missing near his home off Monashka Bay Road more than a week ago – was found on Pillar Mountain on Sunday, according to an Alaska Department of Public Safety statement. There were no obvious signs of foul play identified at the scene and the investigation into the boy’s death is ongoing, according to the release.
More than 2,000 volunteers canvassed 10,000 acres in steep and rugged terrain across Kodiak Island looking for Cipolla since his disappearance, according to DPS.
The search effort also included members of local law enforcement, Kodiak Island Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Base Kodiak, and local pilots. U.S. Navy Seals and K9 teams from across the state also assisted in the search.
Alaska Wildlife Trooper Josh Boyle was the incident commander for the search. He spoke at a Saturday morning press conference on the case.
“It was both humbling and awe-inspiring to see the magnitude of generosity displayed over this past week, truly defining what it means to be a community and a family coming together in a time of tragedy,” Boyle said.
Cipolla’s remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, according to the the department.