Preliminary Autopsy Points to Hypothermia in Death of Missing Alabama Boy
JASPER, Ala. — A preliminary autopsy has revealed that hypothermia is the likely cause of death for Johnathan Everett Boley, the 4-year-old boy who disappeared on New Year’s Eve from a rural property near Jasper, Alabama. The young child was reported missing on December 30, 2025, after wandering away from his father’s home along Highway 195 while playing outside with his dog, authorities said.
Walker County Coroner Joey Vick confirmed this week that the initial findings from the autopsy are consistent with death due to exposure to freezing temperatures. Investigators noted that the child had removed his shoes prior to his death, a detail that may have contributed to his vulnerability to the cold. Officials have ruled out drowning as a cause, though a final autopsy report has yet to be released.
Johnathan’s body was discovered on January 2, roughly two miles from his father’s residence, following a massive search operation involving hundreds of law enforcement officers, volunteers, K-9 teams, drones, and aircraft. The boy’s dog was found alive nearby. Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith expressed sorrow over the outcome, stating, “This is not the outcome anyone hoped for. Our hearts go out to this family and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this child home.”
Johnathan and his siblings live with their mother in Florida and were visiting their father, Jameson Kyle Boley, 40, for the holidays under a custody arrangement. According to Walker County District Court records obtained by Fox News Digital, Jameson Boley has been charged with felony chemical endangerment of a child and unlawful manufacture of a destructive device. Authorities clarified that the destructive-device charge is unrelated to Johnathan’s death, and there is currently no evidence indicating foul play in the child’s passing.
Hypothermia, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit due to prolonged exposure to cold weather. Symptoms can develop rapidly, especially in young children who are more susceptible to environmental hazards.
The extensive search for Johnathan mobilized numerous agencies and community volunteers, reflecting the urgency and concern surrounding the boy’s disappearance. The involvement of K-9 units and aerial support demonstrates the scale of the operation coordinated by local law enforcement.
While the community mourns the loss, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. The Alabama Department of Public Safety has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist ongoing inquiries.
Johnathan Boley’s funeral is scheduled for January 10, as reported by local news affiliate WBRC. The tragedy has resonated deeply in the rural community, highlighting the dangers posed by harsh winter conditions and the vulnerabilities of children left unattended.
For more information on child safety and hypothermia prevention, the National Safety Council provides resources and guidelines to help families protect their children during cold weather months.
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