Video: Body of Tukwila boy recovered from Duawamish River

Larger screen

TUKWILA, Wash. - Tukwila police confirm search crews have found the body of a 10-year-old boy who failed to return home Wednesday night from playing with friends along the Duwamish River.

Search and rescue crews found the body of Danny Tang around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, about a quarter mile in the river from where he was last seen, said Officer Mike Murphy with the Tukwila Police Depatment.

Tang was last seen wading in the water with friends near the bridge by the Tukwila Community Center on 42nd Street around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. When he failed to return home by his 8 p.m. curfew and missed his brother's birthday celebration, his parents called 911 around 11 p.m., prompting officials to launch a search.

Searchers, joined by family and friends, found Danny's shoes separately in the water Wednesday night. Crews suspended the search about 3 a.m. due to darkness and high tide. When they resumed their search Thursday morning, they found his body along the shore. Crews retrieved the body and notified the boy's family.

"There's just a lot of grief," said Murphy, who said the police chaplain was trying to provide comfort for the family. "We're talking with them, we're trying to be with them. It's time for them."

Community members also mourn the death of Danny Tang.

"He was one of these friends to everybody," said Verna Griffin, Tukwila City Council. "He was a happy-go-lucky kid that always had something fun to say."

Murphy said that part of the Duwamish River is particularly treacherous.

"This river is a dangerous river. It's got many currents and eddies that always make it dangerous," said Officer Mike Murphy, Tukwila Police Department. Since the water is dark, Murphy says swimmers cannot tell how deep the river is. A person could wade in a foot of water and then drop into a 10-ft. pocket.