DURHAM

Game wardens have recovered the body of five-year-old Valerio McFarland from the Androscoggin River, according to an announcement from the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

Missing and presumed drowned since Tuesday, April 24, the effort to recover the boy’s body ended today just before noon. Valerio McFarland’ body was located in Durham five miles downstream from where he entered the water 20 days ago, in Auburn.

Christopher Lane, 43, of Litchfield located the boy’s body this morning while kayaking the river, according to Game Warden Corporal John MacDonald, who stated Lane told game wardens he was looking for the boy as he too wanted to help bring closure for the McFarland’s.

Lane had been unable to search this past weekend and wanted to try today, MacDonald stated. While searching the river late this morning, Lane located the boy’s body on the water’s surface very close to the Auburn and Durham town lines. Lane called 911 and game wardens responded to the area to make the recovery utilizing a Warden Service airboat.

MacDonald stated: “The Maine Warden Service wants to thank the Auburn Police Department, first responders and the countless volunteers who have searched tirelessly the last several weeks. We hope today’s recovery can begin to provide closure for the McFarland family.”

The Warden service announcement came shortly after 3 p.m.