FATHER OF 3-YEAR-OLD NOAH WOODS SPEAKS OUT AFTER BODY FOUND IN POND

The father of three-year-old Noah Woods has shared a heartbreaking tribute after the body of his missing son was recovered from a pond in Suffolk, bringing a devastating end to a huge search effort.

Noah disappeared on the afternoon of September 15, 2026, after becoming separated from a relative near a playground on Merriam Close in Brantham, Suffolk.

The little boy was non-verbal and partially deaf, and police said he was undergoing an assessment for autism. His disappearance prompted an extensive search involving police officers, specialist teams, emergency services and hundreds of members of the public. More than 1,000 people joined the effort, with some traveling from across the country to help.

BODY RECOVERED FROM DECOY POND

After more than 24 hours of searching, specialist police divers recovered the body of a child from Decoy Pond in Brantham shortly before 6 p.m. on September 16.

Police informed Noah’s family of the discovery.

Authorities said the circumstances were being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Noah had last been seen wearing a Bluey T-shirt, shorts and black Vans sneakers. Investigators had been searching the area around the playground, nearby paths and the pond as part of the extensive operation.

Helicopters, coastguard teams, fire and rescue personnel, search-and-rescue volunteers, police officers and specialist diving teams all took part in the effort.

FATHER’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Following the discovery, Noah’s father, Rhys Woods, shared an emotional message with the community.

He confirmed that the child recovered from Decoy Pond was his son and described the pain of losing him as overwhelming.

Rhys remembered Noah as “the sweetest and most innocent little boy”, saying his son had “nothing but love to give.”

He also wrote that the family had spent the search hoping Noah would be found safe, describing the discovery as the outcome they had feared.

The grieving father thanked the thousands of people who had helped search for his son and supported the family during the ordeal.

He said the nationwide response had shown how deeply Noah had touched people who had never even met him.

“YOU WILL BE LOVED FOREVER”

In his message, Rhys also addressed his son directly, promising that Noah would never be forgotten.

He described the three years he and his partner had with their son as a privilege and expressed the family’s enduring love for him.

The tribute came as people across Brantham gathered to mourn the little boy. Flowers, teddy bears, toys and Bluey-themed tributes were left near the playground where Noah was last seen.

A book of condolence was opened in the village, while local facilities were made available for people seeking support or wishing to pay their respects.

The community’s response has been described as extraordinary, with residents and volunteers coming together during the search and continuing to support Noah’s family following the tragic discovery.

Police have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Noah’s death remains ongoing, with authorities currently treating the discovery as unexplained but not suspicious.