> At a Glance
> – Preliminary autopsy shows Johnathan Boley, 4, died of hypothermia after vanishing New Year’s Eve
> – His dog led volunteers to the boy’s body in an Alabama creek two miles from home
> – Father Jameson Boley was arrested on separate felony charges during the search
> – Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the dangers of child exposure and the critical role of community search efforts
A four-day search for a missing Jasper, Alabama preschooler ended in heartbreak when volunteers discovered Johnathan “John-John” Boley partially submerged in a nearby creek. Early autopsy results point to hypothermia, with no signs of drowning, according to the Walker County Coroner.
The Disappearance
Johnathan vanished on December 31 while playing outside with his six-year-old brother and the family dog near a highway. The boys were spending part of their father’s court-ordered five-day annual visitation.
Search teams scoured the area for days:
- Multiple agencies joined the effort
- Community volunteers turned out in force
- The child’s bare feet suggested he had removed his shoes before exposure
Discovery and Investigation
On January 2, a volunteer spotted the boy’s dog, which then guided the group to the creek location. Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith praised the collaborative response at a January 5 briefing.
Sheriff Nick Smith said:
> “One of the volunteers I spoke to said they saw the dog first, and the dog kind of led them back to where John-John was.”
While the search continued, Jameson Boley was arrested and charged with:
- Unlawful manufacture of a destructive device (Class B felony)
- Two counts of chemical endangerment of a child (Class C felonies)
Authorities stress these charges are unrelated to the boy’s disappearance.
Final Arrangements
A funeral for Johnathan Boley is scheduled for Saturday, January 10. The sheriff asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as the final autopsy report is still pending.
Key Takeaways
- Hypothermia is the preliminary cause of death
- The family dog played a crucial role in locating the child
- Father faces separate felony charges discovered during the investigation
- Community search efforts drew widespread praise from law enforcement
