Child found dead at base of cliff in New Waterford, N.S.

NEW WATERFORD — Police in Cape Breton say a child reported missing on Saturday has been found dead.

Cape Breton Regional Police say officers were called to a report of a missing child in New Waterford, N.S., on Saturday afternoon.

Police say the child had autism and the mother noticed the child had escaped through a kitchen window.

Police say the child was found in the water near a cliff shortly after 2 p.m.

Emergency personnel were called to the scene but police say the child did not survive.

Police say the matter is being investigated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2025.