3-Year-Old Frozen: Cops Find Toddler Outside In A Diaper, Frozen To Death After Wandering Outside

A 3-year-old was found frozen to death, just hours after his family reported him missing in Toronto. According to NewsOXY, police say that 3-year-old Elijah somehow wandered outside his grandmother’s home around 4 a.m. wearing only a shirt and a diaper. With temperatures holding steady below zero, Elijah had little chance of surviving the night, and this is what many were afraid of. He was found frozen to death in the backyard area of the apartment his grandmother lived in.

“We regret to announce that 3-year-old Elijah has died. Our thoughts are with his family and all affected by this tragedy,” police said in a statement.

The 3-year-old found frozen to death walked right out the front door on his own. His parents said that they put him to bed on Wednesday night, but apparently he was able to get himself out of bed, and out the door without anyone noticing until hours later. By that time, it was too late. While it was possible that the child could have survived the brutal cold, the odds were undoubtedly against him.

“He’s a very energetic and runs around all over the place. He’s a very smart little boy. When his mom has to work, Elijah is here. And he goes to daycare just down the street,” said a neighbor before the boy’s body was found.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, surveillance footage at the apartment complex showed the child leaving the building. Two volunteers found the boy, whom authorities say had been outside in the bitter cold for about six hours.

“The little boy’s body was found huddled up next to an air conditioner in a neighbor’s yard, where he had fallen asleep a mere 1,000 feet from his family’s apartment,” reports the Inquisitr.

The 3-year-old who was found frozen is being remembered by family, friends, and strangers. According to CNN, emotions are high. Thousands have donated money to an online campaign that was originally set up to help the family with funeral costs. However, well over $100,000 was raised in the first few hours. Makeshift memorials have been set up where people have been dropping off flowers, candles, teddy bears, and heartfelt letters, many about a boy they never knew. People all over the world have wanted to help after hearing about this tragedy, and many have done so in any way that they can.

No criminal charges have been filed at this time, though police are still investigating the case.

[Photo courtesy of YouTube]