THE search for a missing 5-year-old autistic boy has ended in tragedy after the child was found dead.

The Kentucky State Police sent out an Immediate Alert Notification (IAN) on Tuesday morning after Silas Chearer disappeared from his residence in Cub Run, situated about 90 minutes south of Louisville.

According to WHAS-TV, an ABC affiliate, authorities reported that the young Silas, who is autistic, left his home while wearing pajamas approximately at 8 am on Tuesday.

An IAN Alert was immediately issued for Silas after authorities learned the boy could be in danger.

The alerts are issued when children under the age of 18 with autism or mental illnesses go missing and may be in danger.

At around 10 am, hours after the IAN alert was issued, authorities announced that they had located Silas.

“Tragically, he was found deceased. KSP grieves with this family and the community,” state police said.

Authorities have not released additional information on where the boy was located.

Kentucky State Police have not said whether foul play was involved in the boy’s death.

Candy Massaroni, a Republican state representative, mourned Silas’ death in a statement.

Massaroni expressed to WLEX-TV, an NBC affiliate, “My heart is shattered. Like many others, I had hoped for a different result when the IAN Alert went out this morning.”

“While I am grateful that the system worked as intended and quickly communicated a crisis – today we are left grieving the devastating loss of a precious child.”

Massaroni went on to the IAN Alert system and its swift notifications of the missing child.

“This is the very reason the IAN Alert was created: to respond rapidly when a vulnerable child goes missing,” the state representative added.

“The system was born from heartbreak, and sadly, heartbreak has visited another family.

“There are no words that can ease their pain, but I want them to know they are not alone.

“I am praying for them, mourning with them, and holding them in my heart.

“I am hopeful they find comfort in knowing their child was valued by our Commonwealth and loved by his community.”