Search teams locate body of 7-year-old who went missing in London, Ont.’s Thames River

**Heartbreak in London: Body of Missing Seven-Year-Old Girl Found in Thames River**
In a tragic turn of events that has shaken the community, the body of a seven-year-old girl who went missing in London’s Thames River has been recovered near the campus of Western University, the police have confirmed.
The girl, identified as Anna Bielli by friends and family, disappeared on Thursday along the river near Adelaide Street and Kipps Lane, sparking a massive search and rescue operation involving boats, divers, and a police helicopter.
After days of exhaustive efforts, police made the heartbreaking discovery of a child’s remains in the river near Perth Drive and University Drive on Sunday afternoon. The location was more than three kilometers downstream from where Bielli was last seen.
“While the police did not officially identify the victim, Bielli’s mother, Karen Fermill, expressed her gratitude on Facebook, saying, ‘Prayers really moved heavens. They finally found my sweet Angel. Praise the Lord God,'” the police statement mentioned.
During a somber news conference at University Drive Bridge, Police Inspector Sean Travis shared that the child’s remains were found upstream by the London police’s marine unit and the Fire Department.
“This is a tragic occurrence for all involved, especially the family,” Inspector Travis stated, emphasizing the support made available to them during this difficult time.
The community rallied around the family as the search for Bielli, who was reported struggling in the water near Adelaide Street bridge, commenced on Thursday. The local church, Anchor Church, stood by the family’s side, offering their assistance.
As details about funeral arrangements are awaited, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family had already raised more than $3,000 by Sunday afternoon. Joe McRitchie, who set up the fundraiser, expressed the importance of backing the family through their grief and recovery.
With a large team of over 150 personnel involved in the search efforts, spanning across London and beyond, a joint effort was coordinated between multiple agencies, including police, search and rescue teams, and volunteers.
As the community mourns the loss of young Anna Bielli, the impact of this tragedy continues to resonate, reminding us all of the importance of coming together in times of sorrow and need.

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