GASTONIA, N.C. -- Police have confirmed that the body of child found in Long Creek on September 27 is indeed Maddox Ritch.

• Ritch was reported missing on Saturday, Sept. 22
• Authorities are still trying to determine where Maddox was and how his body ended up in Long Creek
• Anyone who was at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, who has not already called needs to call the Gastonia Police tip line 704-869-1075

Ritch was reported missing on Saturday, Sept. 22. Authorities searched for six days before discovering his body.

Autopsy results are not yet complete.

“We are deeply saddened to learn the body found by searchers last Thursday is confirmed to be Maddox Ritch,” Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton said. “Hundreds of people searched tirelessly for this child and our work continues to answer every question we can about his tragic death.”

Authorities are still trying to determine where Maddox was and how his body ended up in Long Creek.

Anyone who was at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, who has not already called needs to call the Gastonia Police tip line 704-869-1075.