Missing Child Found Deceased After Extensive Search in Coos County

Coos County, Oregon- The search for Joshua McCoy, a child reported missing on Saturday evening, November 9th, concluded in tragedy on Tuesday, November 12th, when he was found deceased. Joshua’s disappearance had prompted a multi-day, multi-agency search effort across the area.

The initial report of Joshua’s absence came via a third party to North Coos dispatch at 6:27 PM on November 9th. Within 20 minutes, first responders were on scene and launched a coordinated search effort, initially attempting to trace the location of the child’s cellphone. However, the phone-ping provided no actionable data. Early leads suggested he may have been picked up by a family member, but these allegations were subsequently deemed unfounded.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office then issued an ‘Attempt To Locate’ (ATL) alert to surrounding agencies. Deputies and volunteers from Coos County Search and Rescue (SAR) spent the remainder of the weekend examining Joshua’s property and surrounding areas, aided by K9 units, ground teams, and drone operators. A pond on the property was drained as part of the thorough search, but no evidence emerged.

By Sunday, November 10th, additional resources from nearby counties in southern Oregon and northern California were mobilized to assist. Law enforcement maintained an overnight presence, and search teams continued operations at first light the following day, joined by additional personnel from local fire departments.

Efforts intensified on Monday, November 11th, as more volunteers and members from the multi-county Oregon Search and Rescue (CORSAR) network joined. The search area was methodically expanded and carefully combed over. By Tuesday, November 12th, support from federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the FBI, was added to the ongoing search.

Despite these extensive efforts, Joshua’s body was discovered at approximately 12:30 PM on Tuesday, located around 1.6 miles northwest of his home. The investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death remains ongoing, and no further details have been made public at this time.

Coos County authorities expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies involved, including Homeland Security, the FBI, Oregon State Police, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and multiple local and regional fire and police departments. Community support, including volunteers providing food to search teams, was also acknowledged.

As the investigation continues, officials ask for privacy and respect for Joshua’s family during this difficult time. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

UPDATE: Coos County Sheriff’s Office has released the following statement, as of 9:50a 11/13/24:

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community that the Joshua McCoy investigation is still ongoing. No one is in custody. Cause of death remains unknown.

Now is a time for healing and remembrance.