The body of a Florida toddler was found in lake near her home, hours after she went missing.

The toddler, identified as two-year-old Lorie Thermidor, was last seen at her home near Redwood Point Drive and Stallion Fields Way around 3.40 p.m. Friday (May 1). On realizing that the girl was not at home, her father started searching for her. When he couldn’t find her anywhere, he alerted the police.

Police said the toddler walked across the street and wandered into the woods. A search was initiated for the toddler and the police officers were joined by dozens of volunteers. Soon a police helicopter joined the search.

“2 yr old Lori Thermidor. Last seen 5/1/20 at approx. 3:30 P.M. in the 19400 blk of Redwood Point Dr. Tampa FL. Last seen wearing pink w/ grey polka dot pajamas. She is 3’0 tall / 40 pounds. If located please call the Tampa Police Department (813) 231-6130,”Tampa Police Department had tweeted.

Police said after searching the neighborhood, the divers began looking for the toddler in a lake near the home. The body of the toddler was found in the water body, police announced around 8.30 p.m.

Investigation into the incident was ongoing and no additional details were released by the police.

The incident comes two months after the body of a Tennessee toddler was found on a property after she went missing. An Amber Alert was issued for 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell on Feb. 19. After a 17-day-long search, her body was found on the Boswell family's property in the East Tennessee town of Blountville on March 13. Police said the body matched the description of Evelyn and that it was also dressed in the exact clothing that the toddler was wearing when she went missing. The body of the toddler was sent for autopsy.

"We have a sad update to pass along in our ongoing search for answers in the death of 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell. Remains found have been confirmed to be those of the little girl,” Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed on March 18.

police tape
Representational image of a police tape. Manuel Handboy was arrested after he struck three women with his vehicle in Colorado. REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman