Boy's body recovered from river near Walpole

The body of an eight-year-old boy has been recovered by police divers at Fernhook Falls near Walpole this morning.

Sol was reported missing from his campsite in the Mount Frankland National Park last Sunday morning.

Police believe he fell out of a kayak or possibly slipped trying to get in it at the top of the falls.

An extensive search was carried out for several days.

Great Southern District Superintendent Kim Travers said Sol's body was found on Friday but teams did not recover him until this morning.

"Sol was located by the search team on Friday morning 15 October 2021 and a complex operation commenced to safely recover his body," Superintendent Travers said.

"The recovery would not have been possible without the mutual trust and respect of the family who have remained on site throughout this recovery operation.

"The collaboration between Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Service, State Emergency Service, St John Ambulance, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Fugro who provided the technical expertise and specialist underwater equipment, made this recovery possible.

"The family have been advised and have expressed their thanks to all emergency services and volunteers involved.

"The circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident will be subject of a report to the Coroner."