Aidan Murphy

Updated Tuesday, 7:31 a.m.

11-year-old Aidan Murphy was returned home to his family Monday night after going missing for several hours on Monday afternoon.

His mother, Michelle Murphy, said Tuesday he was found curled up, half asleep and shaking, against the wall of a dugout in Smithfield Park, off Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.

A friend of the family had said just before 10 p.m. Monday that the boy was found safe near an athletic field where he plays lacrosse, and was reunited with his family a short time later.

Ms. Murphy was grateful for all the help Monday night from police, neighbors and fellow residents in helping to find her son. “We are so blessed to live in such an amazing town,” she said.

Earlier story, 9:22 p.m.

Search underway for missing 11-year-old boy

Friends, neighbors and Davidson public safety officials were searching Davidson Monday night for 11-year-old Aidan Murphy, who ran away from home Monday afternoon and had not returned as of 9 p.m.

He had left his home in the St. Alban’s neighborhood around 4 o’clock on Monday afternoon, according to his mother, Michelle Murphy. He left a note saying he was running away from home. He did not take his cell phone, his mother said Monday night.

When he did not return after a few hours, the family alerted police, who began circulating a missing-person report.

Aidan is described as blonde with freckles, 4 feet 6, and 60 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green Under Armour shirt and black shorts.

He was last seen on Davidson-Concord Road, walking in the direction of N.C. 73.

If you’ve seen him, please contact Davidson Police Department at 704-892-5131.