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Anna Mburu, a 7-year-old Lowell resident, went missing after being last seen on Sunday, July 9 between 2 and 3 p.m. in the area of East Merrimack Street in the Belvidere neighborhood in Lowell, according to the Lowell Police Department.
A body of a girl, preliminarily believed to be Anna, was found in the Merrimack River around noon on Monday using side-scan sonar.
The water was deeper than usual and moving faster than average because of recent heavy rain, but divers were able to retrieve the body.
Officials do not believe that foul play was involved in her death.
Anna, who was nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, lived with her family on Geanna Lane in Lowell.
She was last seen wearing black shorts, a white vest, and a purple hair tie. She was likely barefoot and did not have her bike with her, police said in a Monday morning update.
Lowell Police actively searched for Anna through Sunday, overnight, and into Monday, utilizing multiple officers, K-9s, and drones.
The Lowell Dive Team, the Massachusetts State Police Airwing, Massachusetts State Police K-9s, and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council K-9 Unit and Regional Response Teams also joined forces to look for Anna.
Residents who are concerned about a high-risk loved one who may wander from safe environments are encouraged to contact Lowell police about their Project Lifesaver ad Safe Watch Program.
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