8-year-old South Carolina boy found dead after leaving school grounds
Lionel Ramirez Cervantes was reported missing after fleeing his classroom at Bells Crossing Elementary. Hours later, he was found drowned in a nearby pond.
Search ends in tragedy after second grader vanishes from elementary school in Simpsonville
An 8-year-old boy who ran away from his elementary school in Simpsonville, South Carolina, was found dead in a nearby body of water on September 12, 2024.
Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, a second grader at Bells Crossing Elementary School, was last seen around 11:10 a.m. near the school’s playground. According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the child fled the school while accompanied by two classmates and three staff members. Though staff attempted to pursue him, they lost sight of him.
What happened after Lionel ran?
The school quickly alerted authorities, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office launched a coordinated search involving officers, K9 units, and community assistance.
At 2:10 p.m., officials urged the public to avoid on-foot searches to prevent interference with scent-tracking dogs. Residents were instead asked to review security footage and check their properties for any signs of Lionel.
By 4:12 p.m., the sheriff’s office confirmed the worst outcome. A dive team found Lionel’s body in a pond off Lenox Lake Drive—just a short distance from the school.
Family calls for accountability
Lionel’s mother, Dalia Cervantes, later spoke out on Facebook. A single mother of five, she expressed grief and frustration, stating she believed negligence contributed to her son’s death.
“I know he is now in a better place, and with his dad. But my boy did not have to lose his life this way,” she wrote. “Negligence caused his death. Now I am left without my Leo.”
She also noted having seen video footage of the incident, saying it “does not justify their actions.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they have victim coordinators supporting the family during this time. Lionel’s death has deeply affected both the school and local community, raising questions about school safety and response protocols.
This tragic loss leaves a grieving mother, a community shaken, and unanswered questions about how an 8-year-old could slip away from school and lose his life so close to campus.
