Body of teen swept away in Pittman Wash found
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The discovery of William Mootz's body ended a dangerous search for the missing teen. Video by ktnv.com
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The body of the Henderson teen who disappeared in a wash on Wednesday has been located. Video by ktnv.com
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Henderson Public Works starts clearing debris from the wash to help locate missing 17-year-old William Mootz.
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A helicopter aids in the effort to locate the missing teen.
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About 100 people, including family and friends, help search for William.
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A helicopter helps cover extensive ground during the search.
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Volunteers gather to help continue the search for William on Thursday morning.
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Those close to him say William is a wrestler and attends Green Valley High School.
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The Pittman Wash turned to rapids after heavy rains on Wednesday morning.
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When several 911 calls came in late Wednesday morning reporting William's disappearance, crews launched a search for the teen.
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Authorities searched the Pittman Wash and surrounding areas to try to locate the teen.
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One firefighter hurries to aid rescuers in the race to find William.
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Henderson, NV (KTNV) -- The body of the Henderson teen who disappeared in a wash on Wednesday has been located.
17-year-old William Mootz's body was found in Henderson at about 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Police say the body was found by a volunteer in a wetland area near Sam Boyd Stadium and Broadbent Boulevard.
"He was found on the ground, entangled in a grouping of of trees and bushes," a spokesperson wih the Henderson Police Department said.
The Clark County Coroner's Office later confirmed the body was that of William Mootz. His exact cause of death will be released in the coming days.
Mootz disappeared after falling into the Pittman Wash in the area of Stephanie Street and Sunset Road late Wednesday morning. The rapids brought on by heavy rain quickly swept him away.
Local authorities were unable to find Mootz on Wednesday. That's when his family, friends and volunteers joined the search.
The efforts to find Mootz continued on Thursday, spearheaded by William's father. More than 100 volunteers came out with shovels and boats, scouring the wash for any sign of the teen.
On Thursday night, volunteers had their first big break in the search when one of William's shoes turned up.
Friday morning the search resumed bright and early. Police originally said they were suspending their search until Monday morning, but joined in when units became available.
That's when the devastating discovery was made, and family and friends were faced with the reality that William had not survived the harrowing ordeal.
The family later spoke with reporters, thanking the community for their search efforts and continued support.
Mootz was about to begin his senior year at Green Valley High School. He was a wrestler, Boy Scout and loved the outdoors.
A donation account has been set up at Nevada State Bank in William Mootz's name.
A candlelight vigil is planned at Green Valley High School in Henderson on Saturday, August 25 at 8 p.m.
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