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Who was Troy Khoeler? Texas boy, 7, found dead in washing machine hours after going missing

Officials are yet to determine whether there was any foul play or if the child climbed into the machine himself

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS: A 7-year-old child, who was reported missing for several hours, found dead in a washing machine at his home on Thursday, July 28. According to authorities, Troy Khoeler was discovered inside a top load washing machine in the garage of his family's home in Spring, Texas, just outside of Houston, at about 7:20 am.

Harris County Sheriff's Office Lt Robert Minchew told KHOU 11 reporters that the boy's adoptive parents had contacted 911 two hours earlier to report his missing complaint. The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office had also tweeted about the missing boy. "NOW - MISSING 7-YEAR-OLD BOY - 4400 block of Rosegate Dr. Birnamwood Subdivision - Troy Khoeler. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt & pants, has a small afro hairstyle. He has been missing for approximately 2-3 hours," the tweet read. 

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According to Minchew, the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office will identify Khoeler's cause of death. Officials could not say whether there was any foul play or if he climbed into the machine himself. The officer, however, claimed that the boy was clothed when discovered. Check out the video of sheriffs examining the residence, here.

"We don't know what happened," Minchew stated, "but we plan to find out." "Whether he was killed by the washing machine or killed and placed in it, I can't remark since we're just so far away," he subsequently told the reporters. At 5:20 am, police received a report that Khoeler was missing but as per Minchew, he might have been missing as early as 4 am. Cops were interrogating the parents when they decided to examine the residence after discovering no evidence of a door or window being left open.

Who was Troy Khoeler?

Troy, who had been a foster child, was adopted by the couple in 2019. Minchew stated that the investigators could locate "not a lot of history" of calls from the house. Troy was confirmed to be a student at Spring ISD. One of his former teachers characterized him as a bright, energetic student who will be missed.

According to KHOU 11, Spring Independent School District released the following statement saying, “Spring ISD is deeply saddened about the tragic passing of our student, Troy Khoeler. The Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office and Harris County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the case. His death represents a great loss for our district, and we are providing ongoing counseling and grief services for students and staff members impacted by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” 

When KHOU11 reporter Matt Dougherty, asked the adoptive father of the seven-year-old child regarding the unfortunate incident, the father claimed that his front door was unlocked and his son was missing when he arrived home the previous night.

After Khoeler was found dead, many people who had been praying for his safety, responded to Harris County Medical Examiner's Office tweet. One user wrote "He was a handsome little fellow. Such a tragedy that you’ve passed after spending only 7rs on this earth. Rest easy now Troy. No more pain, no more suffering, you get to spend eternity with our father GOD." Another user wrote, "My heart is aching. I have been in prayer for this young boy. tears falling... Please Father God be with all his family and loved ones as they go through this. In Jesus' name I pray.. Amen."