Visitation, Funeral For Maddox Ritch To Be Held In Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Burial plans for Maddox Ritch are underway this week in Huntersville, one week after the 6-year-old boy’s body was found during a massive search at a Gastonia park where he had been reported missing.

Ritch, who police described as autistic and nonverbal with strangers, was reported missing Sept. 22 while at Rankin Lake Park with his father and another adult. Hundreds of searchers representing more than 65 law enforcement agencies scoured the area, climbing into dumpsters, sewers and drainage ditches. His body was discovered Sept. 27 in Long Creek.

“Maddox was a sweet and loving little boy who was full of laughter,” his obituary said. “He loved Paw Patrol, his Teddy, playing with his bouncy balls, but above all he loved his mom and dad the most.”

According to Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, a visitation for Ritch will be held from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at 16901 Old Statesville Road in Huntersville. A funeral service is planned Friday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. “The burial will be private,” according to the obituary.

More than 300 people participated in the search for the boy, and investigators have received almost 250 leads, according to Gastonia Police Department.

In a statement earlier this week, the police department thanked the volunteers who helped search for Ritch. “Public support and multiple investigative means confirm Maddox was at the park. We are awaiting autopsy results before an official ruling can be made in this tragic death,” GPD said.

According to investigators, Ritch, Maddox's mother and the adult friend who was at the park at the time of his disappearance have all been fully cooperative.

The case has captured the attention of the region, which prompted a warning from the FBI about spreading rumors about the search on social media. "Information is being released by our official channels," it said Monday. "Don't be responsible for redirecting our efforts away from where they need to be."

Authorities asked anyone who might have information about his location or the case contact the Gastonia Police Department at 704-869-1075.

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Photo via FBI