A family visit to upstate New York ended in tragedy on Tuesday morning when a 7-year-old boy, the nephew of Hamtramck's mayor, was found dead in Menands, N.Y. His death was confirmed by relatives and officials as the intensive, multi‑agency search that had stretched into its third day came to a close.
Harbe Nagi was reported missing around 4:20 p.m. Sunday after he walked away from a home on Park Drive in Menands, which triggered an immediate response from state and local authorities. Residents and search teams fanned out through nearby woods, backyards and small bodies of water. Volunteers even brought in an ice cream truck and played Harbe’s favorite song, and the family put up a $10,000 reward, according to the Times Union.
Family Confirmation And Mayor's Post
The boy’s uncle, Adam Alharbi, who had traveled to Menands to help coordinate the family's search efforts, shared the news on Facebook. “We are devastated to share that he has been found deceased. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search,” he wrote, as reported by NewsChannel 13. Alharbi is serving as the family’s spokesman while investigators continue their work at the scene.
Where He Was Found And Investigators' Early Take
Police shut down part of Park Drive and strung up tape as investigators zeroed in on the area near the homes where Harbe had been visiting. A law enforcement official told reporters the child’s body was discovered behind a house just a few doors from the residence where he had been staying. “For now there is no indication of criminality,” the official said, as detectives continued to examine the scene, according to the Times Union.
How The Search Unfolded
Neighbors, forest rangers and state troopers deployed dogs, drones and dive teams as they scoured the Sage Estates Woods preserve and nearby Littles Lake. Community volunteers played familiar songs in hopes of drawing Harbe out, and local TV coverage noted that crews even used an ice cream truck with music as part of the search strategy, per ClickOnDetroit.
What’s Next
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death and say the circumstances remain under active investigation. They urged the public to stay away from the area under review and to route any information directly to law enforcement. A public safety alert listed the Albany County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 765‑5979 for anyone with tips, according to Froggy 100.3.
