by Jasper, AL – A 4-year-old boy from Florida was tragically found dead on Friday afternoon after disappearing alongside his dog during a holiday visit to his father’s home in Jasper, Alabama, authorities reported. The boy’s loyal black Labrador mix, Buck, was found alive at his side after a three-day search, providing a bittersweet moment amid the tragedy.
Child Missing During Holiday Visit
The boy, Johnathan Boley, known to his family as “John John,” was visiting his father, Jameson Kyle Boley, in Jasper, roughly 50 miles northwest of Birmingham, when he went missing on Wednesday, December 31.
According to Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith, Johnathan was last seen at around 11:30 a.m., playing outside with his older brother and Buck near the fence line of his father’s home. His sibling reported that Johnathan had gone over the fence with the dog on the 7000 block of Highway 195.
Johnathan’s father reported him missing just before 12:30 p.m., prompting authorities to issue a Missing Persons alert. At the time, the boy was wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and “Paw Patrol” shoes.
Extensive Search Efforts
Officials immediately launched a multi-agency search, including the FBI, local police departments, drones, helicopters, tracking dogs, and dive teams. Divers scoured a nearby pond, while searchers combed the challenging terrain over the course of three days.
Sheriff Smith expressed the community’s devastation:
“Like so many of you across our community, we’re devastated by this news. Johnathan was an adventurous boy, and he loved the outdoors.”
Discovery of Johnathan and His Dog
Tragically, search teams located Johnathan’s remains in a wooded area approximately two miles from his father’s home. Buck, his faithful dog, was found alive lying beside him, providing a small measure of comfort in the aftermath.
The cause of Johnathan’s death has not yet been released.
Challenges During the Search
The search was complicated by the discovery of explosive materials at Jameson Boley’s property, prompting authorities to halt ground operations temporarily. The elder Boley, 40, was arrested on unrelated charges, including unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child. Sheriff Smith emphasized that these charges are not related to Johnathan’s disappearance and death but hindered the investigation.
Neighbors had reported hearing explosions in the neighborhood, with some occurring weeks before the boy went missing. Sheriff Smith noted:
“The father is prior military. Neighbors have been saying they have been hearing explosions for weeks now, they didn’t really know where it was coming from.”
Authorities also cautioned volunteers and residents not to assist in the search near the property due to the presence of at least eight explosive devices.
Community Support and Cooperation
Sheriff Smith thanked the hundreds of volunteers who aided the search, despite harsh weather and challenging terrain, and noted that Johnathan’s mother had traveled from Florida to assist in the search.
“Investigators, and volunteers have… man, you guys have been awesome searching for Johnathan the last two days,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
How can communities better protect children during holiday visits and outdoor play? What steps should authorities take when searches are complicated by hazards like explosives? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
