A tragic incident unfolded on September 12, 2024, when 8-year-old Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, a second grader from Bells Crossing Elementary School in Simpsonville, South Carolina, went missing and was later found dead in a nearby pond.

Lionel was last seen at around 11 a.m. on the morning of September 12, when he reportedly ran away from his classroom. He had been with two other students and three staff members at the time, but he managed to break free, and the staff lost sight of him as they attempted to give chase.

Once Lionel disappeared, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office began a search for the missing child. Throughout the day, search efforts intensified, with law enforcement officials asking the public not to join the search on foot but instead to check their property and security cameras for any clues.

Despite the continued efforts, the day ended with heartbreaking news. At 4:12 p.m., the sheriff’s office confirmed that Lionel’s body had been found in a body of water off Lenox Lake Drive, a short distance from his school. The boy had last been seen near the school’s playground just before his disappearance. A dive team discovered his body shortly after 3:00 p.m., and the sheriff’s office expressed their condolences to the family, offering support through victim coordinators.

In the wake of the tragic loss, Lionel’s mother, Dalia Cervantes, shared her sorrow on social media. Dalia, a single mother of five, expressed how devastating the loss of her son was and conveyed her feelings about the incident.

“Today I received a call from Lionel’s school that he had gone missing. A few hours later, he was found in a nearby creek. I know he is now in a better place, with his dad, but my boy should not have lost his life this way,” she posted.

Dalia also voiced her frustration over what she perceived as negligence in the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. “Negligence caused his death. Now I am left without my Leo. I want to thank everyone who has sent condolences and supported me and my kids during this time. I saw the video, and it does not justify their actions,” she wrote, reflecting on the tragic loss.

As the community grieves, the incident has sparked an outpouring of support for the Cervantes family, with many expressing their condolences and offering comfort. The loss of young Lionel has left a deep impact on his family, friends, and the broader community, reminding everyone of the preciousness of life and the deep void left by such a tragic event.

Rest in peace, Lionel Ramirez Cervantes.