A small memorial is growing by the site where a two-year-old boy was found in a water-filled ditch in the Eastern Townships Friday night.

Flowers, stuffed animals and toys are being laid down by perfect strangers who came to offer their condolences and comfort the family of Dawson Lacroix, who was pronounced dead in Granby Hospital around 11:30 p.m. Friday.

He was found unconscious in the ditch about an hour earlier, on Place Lavigne in Waterloo, about 95 kilometres from Montreal.

Dawson went missing Friday afternoon from his home, a swath of land about 1850 square metres (20,000 square feet) large.

SQ officers, K-9 units and police helicopters all helped in the search for the boy. He was found only some 15 to 30 metres (50 to 100 feet) from the property.

“He was found by police officers in a ditch where there was water and it was near the house where he was the last time seen,” said SQ spokesperson Melanie Dumaresq.

During the search, Dawson’s mother told CTV News that her son had been playing in their yard while her husband, Mark, cleaned his car.

“My husband lost him out of his sight and he came into the house to ask me if I had let him in and I hadn’t, so we immediately started searching and called the police,” she said.

Family member Bruce Judge said the boy’s grandfather set up the makeshift memorial where neighbours sought to comfort them.

“This morning when I showed up I brought the grandfather, Mark's father, up to the house and I spoke to Mark shortly - not many words,” he said. “It’s very unfortunate.”

Neighbour Amanda McCallum did not know the family came to the site because she said she felt compelled to express her sympathies and show her support, calling the tragedy a “parent’s worst nightmare… just hoping that the family can find strength in everyone's support and somehow find some strength from everyone.”

Neighbour Chantale Parent had the same sentiment.

“We heard about it through the news. My daughter wanted to bring a stuffed animal. It’s so sad,” she said.

Police spent the overnight hours of Friday into Saturday morning investigating the scene. They are seeking to determine how the boy disappeared from his parents’ view, as well as the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

They said they will speak to the boy’s inconsolable parents as soon as they are able.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.