Cause of death reported for 4-year-old found two miles from home

Officials say preliminary autopsy findings indicate a 4-year-old boy found about two miles from his Alabama home likely died of hypothermia; a final coroner's report is pending.

Officials shared a preliminary cause of death for a 4-year-old boy who was found about two miles from his Alabama home after volunteers followed the family's dog. Walker County Coroner Joey Vick announced that preliminary autopsy findings are consistent with hypothermia. The child had been reported missing on New Year's Eve while visiting with family, and a multi-day search involved local agencies and volunteers. A final autopsy report from the Walker County Coroner's Office is still pending. Known details: - The Walker County Coroner announced preliminary autopsy findings consistent with hypothermia. - The child was located about two miles from his home after a volunteer search team was led to him by the family's dog. - A final autopsy report is pending, and local reports say the child's funeral was scheduled for Jan. 10. Summary: The preliminary findings attribute the child's death to hypothermia and officials say the coroner's final report remains pending. Authorities praised search volunteers and requested privacy for the family while the pending report and planned funeral proceed.