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

**Tragic Discovery: Young Girl’s Body Found in Thames River**
An emotional scene unfolded in London as search teams discovered the body of a seven-year-old girl in the Thames River near Western University. The young girl, known as Anna Bielli, had been missing since Thursday, sparking a massive search effort along the riverbanks that involved boats, divers, and even a police helicopter.
The breakthrough came when authorities located the child’s remains near Perth Drive and University Drive on Sunday afternoon, more than three kilometers away from where Bielli was last seen. While the police did not confirm the identity of the victim in their statement, family and friends had earlier identified her as Anna Bielli.
In a heart-wrenching social media post, Bielli’s mother expressed her relief mixed with sorrow, thanking everyone for their prayers and support. The discovery was made upstream of the University Drive Bridge by dedicated members of the police’s marine unit and the London Fire Department.
During a press briefing at the bridge, Police Inspector Sean Travis expressed the deep sorrow felt by all involved, particularly the family, as he acknowledged the exhaustive efforts put into the search. The multi-day operation spanned various agencies and volunteers, with over 150 personnel working tirelessly to locate the missing girl.
The family’s church, Anchor Church, and a supportive community have rallied around the grieving family. Plans for funeral arrangements are underway, spearheaded by the church’s pastor, Sudhir Basumatary.
As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family with their needs during this difficult time. Joe McRitchie, a family friend, initiated the fundraiser, emphasizing the importance of supporting Anna’s loved ones through this devastating loss.
The collaborative efforts of numerous agencies and volunteers underscored the determination to find Anna, demonstrating the unity and compassion that define London’s community spirit in times of tragedy.

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