Miami Lakes, FL – A statue created in memory of a young South Florida boy who died from a rare form of cancer has been reported stolen from the Miami Lakes park named in his honor.
The memorial honors Jakey Duque, who died in 2020 about one month after celebrating his fifth birthday.
The statue disappeared over the weekend from Jakey Duque Park, located near Northwest 154th Street and Northwest 89th Avenue in Miami Lakes.
Jakey’s battle with cancer received widespread attention after his parents began documenting their son’s experience on social media.
People who followed his treatment and supported the family became collectively known as “Jakey’s Army.”
Following Jakey’s death, the Miami Lakes community continued honoring his memory.
The memorial sculpture was unveiled at the park in 2021 as a tribute to the boy and his family.
The statue remained at the park for several years before it was reported missing over the weekend.
No suspect has been publicly identified in connection with the reported theft based on information released about the case.
Efforts are now underway to locate and return the missing memorial.
OnlyInDade, a South Florida social media outlet, announced it is offering a $10,000 reward for information that results in the recovery of the statue.
Jakey’s parents have also publicly asked for the sculpture to be returned.
Their primary request is to recover the memorial honoring their son.
The statue’s disappearance comes approximately five years after Jakey’s death and four years after the sculpture was unveiled.
Anyone who may have information about what happened to the statue or where it is currently located is being asked to come forward as the search for the missing memorial continues.