MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Tragedy in Harrison Township as Missing Toddler Found Dead in Clinton River

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Tragedy in Harrison Township as Missing Toddler Found Dead in Clinton River

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A devastating tragedy has rocked the Harrison Township community after a missing 2-year-old child was found dead in the Clinton River late Monday morning, June 16, 2025. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the heartbreaking discovery and launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.

According to officials, deputies were dispatched to the area of Manse Street shortly before 11:00 a.m. after receiving a report of a missing child. The toddler had last been seen at his family’s residence, located just a short distance from the Clinton River. Within minutes of arriving on scene, law enforcement and first responders initiated an urgent search of the nearby area, fearing the worst due to the home’s close proximity to the water.

Tragically, their fears were soon realized. The child was located unresponsive in the Clinton River, approximately 50 feet from the shoreline behind the residence. Deputies immediately performed CPR and coordinated rapid transport to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, the young boy was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the victim was a 2-year-old male, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending full family notification. The Sheriff’s Office expressed their deep condolences in a statement, saying, “Our hearts are broken. The entire department grieves with this family and this community. No words can ease the pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances.”

The circumstances leading to the toddler’s disappearance and death are still under investigation. Authorities have not indicated whether any foul play is suspected, but all possibilities remain on the table as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence. It remains unclear how the child accessed the water, and whether anyone was supervising him at the time of the incident.

The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit Harrison Township community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the family. Neighbors gathered Monday evening to hold a vigil, placing flowers, stuffed animals, and candles along the riverbank in a solemn tribute to the young life lost.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said one local resident. “We all feel this loss like it’s our own. It could have been any one of our children.”

In response to the incident, local officials are urging families who live near bodies of water to take extra precautions, including installing barriers, using child safety latches, and maintaining vigilant supervision of young children at all times. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office also emphasized the importance of water safety education, even for families who may not live near a river or lake.

As the community mourns this tragic loss, resources are being made available to support the grieving family. Local organizations have stepped in to provide counseling, and an online memorial fund has been launched by friends of the family to assist with funeral expenses.

What was supposed to be an ordinary June morning turned into a life-altering nightmare for one family — and a sobering reminder for many others. The investigation into this heartbreaking incident is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.

In the words of one first responder on the scene, “There are no winners in a moment like this. We only pray that this child’s memory brings change — in safety, in awareness, and in compassion.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.