On Friday, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office notified the sheriff “that the human remains have been positively identified as those of Xavior Harrelson,” Kriegel added.
The cause of death was not released.
In the days before school ended, Hanna recalled, Xavior went classroom to classroom, saying goodbye to students and wishing them a good summer.
“You never think that would be one of the last times you see somebody. I’m praying it’s not,” Hanna said at the time.
Hanna said Xavior is “always wanting to make sure you’re in a good mood and having a smile on your face.”
The FBI assisted local authorities in the search for Xavior, Amy Adams, a spokeswoman for the FBI Omaha field office, had told CNN. At one point, the search for the boy drew 500 people — 375 volunteers and 125 from law enforcement.