Leo Hackley dies in fatal Cordova, Alaska tidal flats drowning

Leo Hackley dies in fatal Cordova, Alaska tidal flats drowning

Fatal Cordova, Alaska tidal flats drowning death of Leo Hackley

A three-year-old boy identified as Leonardo “Leo” Hackley was discovered deceased early Wednesday morning in muddy tidal flats in Cordova, Alaska. According to the Alaska State Troopers, the child wandered away from his home overnight and was missing for several hours. The incident occurred in an urban area of Cordova near the shoreline.

The boy, who recently moved to Alaska from Michigan with his mother, Jade Hackley, was found just before dawn by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Forest Service, and other local search parties. Hackley confirmed that Leo had left his home after waking up the night he went missing. She believed he put on his boots, unlocked the door, and went exploring near the shore, possibly drawn by rocks he loved collecting.

Leo was described by his mother as an adventurous, joyful, and funny child. Jade Hackley shared that her son was a “miracle child” born after experiencing multiple miscarriages. She cherished his love for the outdoors, including hiking, berry-picking, and exploring nature. He was also noted for being a good older brother to her other son, Hudson. The State Medical Examiner’s Office is scheduled to perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

Hackley expressed devastation over the loss, stating, “At some point the water took him, and we are devastated that we couldn’t find him in time.” She fondly recalled his excitement upon first arriving in Alaska, where he embraced the natural environment. A vigil is planned for the community to honor Leo’s memory.