The body found in a North Carolina creek last week believed to be that of Maddox Ritch was confirmed yesterday to be the missing 6-year-old autistic boy, police said.

“Sadly, the body found in Long Creek on Thursday has been confirmed to be little Maddox Ritch,” the Gastonia Police Department tweeted. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Ritch’s father reported him missing on September 22 after he ran away from him at Rankin Lank Park, roughly 30 miles west of Charlotte. The child, who had nonverbal autism, ran ahead of him and disappeared. The dad, Ian Ritch, was with an unidentified friend at the time of the incident.

The FBI’s Charlotte branch said yesterday their investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are still looking to speak to people who may have encountered Ritch on the day he went missing.

Police said it’s unclear when Ritch’s autopsy will be complete. His funeral is scheduled for Friday.