A massive multi-agency search for a missing 9-year-old girl ended in heartbreak Saturday night after authorities recovered her body from a pond near her family home. Jenny Dim, who was non-verbal and lived with autism, had been the subject of an intensive 24-hour search operation that drew first responders from across state lines.
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed the discovery late Saturday, ending the specialized “IAN Alert” issued shortly after the child walked out of her residence on Friday afternoon.
Timeline of Disappearance
Jenny Dim was last seen at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time on Friday, March 13. According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the child disappeared from MacIntosh Lane in Florence.
At the time she vanished, Dim was wearing a mint blue jacket and pink headphones but was reportedly barefoot. Due to her being non-verbal and having autism, state officials immediately triggered an IAN Alert—a specific emergency broadcast system designed to locate missing children under 18 with mental illness or developmental disabilities who are in imminent danger.
The Search Operation
The search effort was exhaustive, spanning a four-square-mile radius that included dense terrain and several bodies of water. Ground teams were bolstered by specialized units, including:
- Boone County Water Rescue
- Hamilton County Search and Rescue
- Hamilton County Underwater Search and Recovery Unit
The investigation reached a somber conclusion at approximately 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Hamilton County underwater unit located and surfaced a body in a pond situated near the child’s home. Authorities confirmed the identity as Dim shortly thereafter.
Official Response and Investigation
In a statement released following the recovery, the Kentucky State Police expressed gratitude to the volunteers and professionals involved while acknowledging the gravity of the loss.
“Tragically, this is not the outcome we had hoped for,” the KSP stated. “We thank all the first responders, the public, and the media for all their effort during this investigation.”
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released findings regarding the specific circumstances leading to the drowning. While the search has concluded, the investigation into the timeline of events remains active.
Family and Community Mourning
Julie Par, the girl’s aunt, issued a statement on behalf of the grieving family, emphasizing their reliance on faith during the crisis.
“Although our hearts are deeply broken by this loss, we find comfort in knowing that Jenny has finally found peace,” Par wrote. She extended thanks to the community and the law enforcement agencies that worked “tirelessly” to bring Jenny home.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist the family has seen a surge of local support, raising over $10,000 as of Monday morning. The fundraiser highlights the family’s ongoing challenges, noting that Jenny’s brother also lives with autism; the funds are intended to assist with memorial costs and his continued care.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not provided further comment on the status of the investigation.
