Missing Iklas Ahmed Update: Body Of Autistic Toddler Found In Minnesota Pond

The body of Iklas Ahmed, a 2-year-old girl with autism, was found in a pond in Minnesota on Tuesday, a day after she was reported missing by her family.

The toddler went to Rosland Park in Edina on Monday evening with her father and some other children in the family. When the father took one of the children to the bathroom, the girl wandered away.

"The biological father needed to take one of the children away to the bathroom, and while in the bathroom, dealing with that aspect, Iklas wandered off," Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn said, CBS Local reported.

The father and others at the park searched for the toddler for some time before informing the authorities. Police and fire crews from different cities joined forces to look for the missing girl. Officers searched in and around the park, while drones covered the area by air. Nearby residents also searched their properties for the missing child.

The girl was nonverbal because of autism, Milburn said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

"Our concern last night was that she may have been attracted to [areas] of water," the officer said, adding that authorities did not believe she was abducted.

The 18-hour-long search came to an end Tuesday afternoon after her body was found in a pond near the park's aquatic center. When police escorted the girl's family members to the pond's edge, her mother collapsed and was taken to a nearby ambulance.

"On behalf of the city, I want to send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family and the loved ones of this young girl. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating tragedy," Milburn said in a statement, Star Tribune reported.

A candlelight vigil was held at the park Tuesday evening in honor of the girl. Several local residents came together and collected over $3,000 to help the toddler's family pay for her funeral expenses.