Two Rivers community mourns death of missing 7-year-old boy with autism

TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) — It’s a tragic end to the search for a missing 7-year-old in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

The body of Jacob Baer was recovered by law enforcement agencies in the West Twin River Sunday morning.

“Being so, so young and so cold at night, that was -- it’s just unfortunate,” said Randy Wilson, a resident.

Two Rivers police were called to 1818 School Street Saturday morning after Baer’s parents reported him missing. Police say Baer, who is autistic, was playing outside when his parents lost sight of him.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Wilson. “Unfortunately, with a child at that age, you can turn your head and doesn’t take long — they can get lost.”

Baer’s body was recovered in the West Twin River in five to six feet of water. Police are now warning people about the dangers of thin ice.

“All you wanna do is enforce adults, as well as people, that the ice is not safe yet and it’s pretty obvious that it isn’t,” said Judy Jonas, a resident.

Baer’s death comes just months after law enforcement agencies found the remains of 3-year-old Elijah Vue. Vue had been missing since February. Community members say it’s been a hard year.

“That much disaster happening in a small town in such a short period of time, people are really, really feeling sad,” said Jonas.

Two Rivers Public Schools will be providing counseling to those who need it. The district is requesting everyone wear Baer’s favorite color, green, in honor of his memory. Students will also be building pinecone bird feeders to celebrate Baer’s love of nature.

“What a tragic thing this is, you know? And how sad that it has happened to our town,” said Jonas.

This incident is still under investigation.