TWO RIVERS, Wis. — The body of the missing child in Manitowoc County, 7-year-old Jacob Baer, was found in the West Twin River in Two Rivers Sunday, Two Rivers Police Department shared in a release via Facebook.

"It is with great sadness that we report that the body of 7-year Jacob Baer was recovered this morning from the West Twin River in Two Rivers. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jacob Baer," the post on Facebook read.

Baer had last been seen on Nov. 30 at 4:36 p.m. at Veteran’s Park, 1818 School St. A missing child complaint stated Baer was playing outside when his parent lost sight of him. Later, a Missing and Endangered Alert was issued for Baer.

Police led search efforts on Saturday for Baer around the West Twin River, City Marina and Veterans Park. The Coast Guard Ice Search and Rescue Team, the Wisconsin National Guard, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, volunteer and local fire departments and local law enforcement all assisted in those efforts.

On Sunday, police said they had found several items Saturday night that they believe belonged to Baer in the water of West Twin River. The DNR was searching the area of interest in 5 to 6 feet of water on Sunday. It was in that area where a body was recovered and was later positively identified as Baer. 

"This tragic event is a reminder of how dangerous the ice can be on our waterways, especially this time of year when it is very thin. Please stay off the ice and keep your children safe by monitoring them closely when around any waterway," police said in a statement.

Two Rivers community members on Sunday said they were shaken by the tragic turn of events.

"My heart goes out to the parents because that's like a parent's worst nightmare, and actually thinking about, you're not going to see your child again," said Two Rivers resident Kurt Psenickak.

Psenickak said he always has worries in the back of his mind when his kids go down to play by the river.

"I'm always like, 'Be careful, carry a phone with you, go with a friend, don't go alone,' in case something bad happens," he said.

Baer was a second-grader at Koenig Elementary School, according to a statement released to families by the Two Rivers Public School District on Sunday.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jacob's family," the statement read in part.

The school district said counselors and school staff will be on hand Monday at the elementary school for anyone that may need it.

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need," the district said.

Police are asking the public to respect the family's privacy during this time. Police said the incident is still under investigation and that no more information will be released at this time.