120 Hours: The Search For Maddox Ritch
GASTON COUNTY, NC — On Thursday, officials found what they believe to be the body of 6-year-old Maddox Ritch in a nearby creek. It was a tragic end to a six day long search for the missing child with autism.
The investigation into how he died however, is far from over.
Here is a brief timeline of key events so far in the disappearance of Maddox Ritch:
- Saturday, September 22
- The search for Maddox begins. An employee at Rankin Lake Park called 911 around 1:30 in the afternoon.
- Sunday, September 23
- The FBI joins the search.
- Monday, September 24
- Investigators share a photo of the t-shirt Maddox was wearing that said “I’m the man.”
- Tuesday, September 25
- Maddox’s mother, Carrie Ritch, speaks out for the first time, making and emotional plea in the search for her son.
- The FBI also announces a $10,000 reward in the case.
- Wednesday, September 26
- Maddox’s father, Ian Ritch, speaks publicly, saying Maddox ran away from him and he couldn’t catch up to him.
- Thursday, September 27
- Around 1pm, a body believed to be that of Maddox is found submerged in Long Creek under some debris.
The FBI and Gastonia Police say the investigation into Maddox Ritch’s death is far from over. If you were at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday, investigators say they still want to talk to you.
Please call the tip line at 704-869-1075.
