PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A 14-year-old boy who went for a bicycle ride and didn't return home has been found dead, police said.
The body of Ryan Rogers was found near the Central Boulevard sidewalk at the Interstate 95 overpass, Palm Beach Gardens police Maj. Paul Rogers said Tuesday. A bicycle was also found nearby.
The boy's mother wrote on Facebook that her son went out for a bicycle ride Monday night and never returned home.
Concerned friends and neighbors had been searching the Alton neighborhood, but that search was later called off.
A Tuesday afternoon message from William T. Dwyer Community High School Principal Corey Brooks to parents and staff said that a student had been lost "in a tragic accident."
The soccer fields at the Gardens North County District Park were like a second home and a source of fun for Ryan Rogers.
"We're grieving today a loss of a wonderful young boy and athlete," David Craven said.
Ryan Rogers started playing soccer for the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association when he was 4 years old.
Craven, the president of the league, said Ryan had just started participating in the refereeing program.
"He was a wonderful young man, a wonderful athlete," Craven said. "He will be dearly missed."
An investigation is taking place to determine the cause of death.
As friends and family wait to learn more about what happened, Craven promised to be there for Ryan's loved ones.
"Whatever we can do for them, we will help them and we will standby them and we will grieve with them," Craven said.
Anyone with information is requested to call the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department at 561-799-4445.
