Remembering Maddox Ritch: “Very, Very Fun And Loving Kid”

GASTON COUNTY, NC.– WCCB spoke exclusively to a woman who has known Maddox Ritch since the day he was born. She, and the entire Gaston County community continue to mourn the loss of the six-year-old.

To Amanda Wallace, Maddox Ritch was like one of her own. She was in the hospital the day he was born.

“Almost like the day one of my kids were born to be honest with you, just to see Ian and Carrie with him, they finally got their child,” says Wallace.

Amanda has been friends with Ian and Carrie Ritch for over a decade. She describes Maddox as a sweet, outgoing young boy, who loved to play.

“I have two little girls and they just played. Like you would think that they were siblings the way that they played together.”

The six day search for Maddox ended in tragedy Thursday when investigators discovered Maddox’s body in Long Creek, about a mile away from where he went missing.

Amanda says when she heard the news, she called Maddox’s father right away.

“He is heartbroken. I mean, just as any parent would be in this situation. I’ve shared many of tears with him over the phone and in person.”

Friday, dozens gathered at Rankin Lake Baptist Church for a prayer vigil to honor Maddox. Many telling WCCB, even though they never met the boy, he will forever be in their hearts.