Body found of missing Florida boy, Luis Martinez believed to be dead (video link)

Breaking news! Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies state that they believe they have discovered the body of missing Valrico, Florida boy, Luis Martinez .

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee spoke solemnly as a crowd of searchers and volunteers gathered around. He stated at approximately 12:00 p.m. today, searchers discovered what appeared to be the body of a small child located in a small hole in the ground. He said that the hole was covered with overgrown grass, making it difficult to see.

The hole was part of an open septic tank and was located close to the area where Luis Martinez was last seen. He said that they were unable to look into the hole earlier but were able to shortly before noon and saw what they believed is the body of two year old Luis Martinez.

When Sheriff David Gee announced that they believed they had found Luis Martinez’ body, the searchers moaned in anguish and disappointment.

They had gathered today at 8:30 a.m., searching the area looking for signs or traces of the Valrico, Florida toddler. The discovery of the body came as a heartbreaking end to the nearly 24 hour long search. Volunteers wiped tears from their eyes as Sheriff David Gee explained that they would need to bring special crews out to retrieve the boy from the tank. He said that they believe it was an accident and that Luis Martinez fell into the hole. He described it as a dangerous situation and said that even the Hillsborough County deputies had difficulty seeing the hole in the ground due to the overgrown grass.

Hillsborough County officials made the announcement shortly before 2:00 p.m., today. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner is on the way to the scene.   An exact confirmation cannot be made regarding the identity of the boy until the medical examiner arrives, however, authorities believe the body is that of Luis Martinez.  Approximately 150 volunteers and 60 Sheriff deputies embarked on a search for the 2 year old boy who has been missing since yesterday at 3:30.
 

Click here for video coverage of the press announcement

Hundreds search for missing child Luis Martinez: Volunteers needed for search