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Mohamed Fofana, of South Boston, was a pre-K student at the Lee K-8 School, according to Boston Public Schools on Twitter.
Authorities found his body on Spectacle Island on Monday afternoon, May 15, after he was reported missing the night before, as previously reported by Daily Voice.
"Our community is in mourning following the tragic news that Mohamed Fofana," BPS wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this difficult time."
Mohamed was last seen playing by an adult family member on Castle Island on Sunday night.
That family member was identified as Mohamed's grandfather, Soleymane Fofana, who told WCVB that he was on the phone when he noticed the boy was missing.
He then reported Mohamed missing around 7:30 p.m., according to Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio. Mohamed's family also told WCVB that he had autism and was unable to communicate with others.
“Yesterday they come with grandpa for the playground," Mohamed's mother Matenjay Fofana told NBC10 Boston. "He called me, ‘I see your daughter but I’m not seeing Mohamed.’ That’s why I come here yesterday. I not see him...I need to find Mohamed because Mohamed don’t do nothing for himself, nothing.”
State Police detectives reviewed Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) footage that showed Mohamed wandering away from the playground. That was the last time he was seen.
"I'm heartbroken for Mohamed Fofana's family and for the beautiful four-year-old boy who was taken from them," City Councilor Erin Murphy said on Twitter. "As a mother who has watched today how much love this family has for Mohamed and for one another, they will all be in my prayers."
A GoFundMe campaign has since been set up to help cover the costs of Mohamed's funeral. People interested in donating can click here.
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