The body of a toddler discovered in a dam just 100m from his home on a remote cattle station at Queensland's Top End has sparked an outpouring of grief online.
Ruben Scott, aged two, was found by divers in a large dam near the Koolatah Station homestead on Friday afternoon.
The family had been braced for bad news, which Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley said was a "pure tragedy".
On Friday, Ruben's heartbroken grandfather Noel Scott said he had one hope left after being told the beloved boy was presumed to have died alone.
"Hopefully we can find Ruben today," Noel Scott said on video, holding back tears.
"We are preparing for the worst, at the moment."
Hours later before Ruben's body was found.
Ruben had been last seen by his mother, Natasha Scott, at 5.44pm on Tuesday sparking frantic race against time to find the little boy.
His family, police, State Emergency Service crews and some 60 people from neighbouring properties joined forces for the search on foot, horseback and motorbike.
Seven helicopters and heat seeking drones crisscrossed the 170,000 kilometre square station.
Late on Thursday, as hopes faded of finding Ruben alive, the police divers flew in.
Chief Supt Huxley said one of the saddest parts of such an extensive search was that the boy had been found so close to home.
His body will be taken to Cairns and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
