Mikaela had gone missing from her family's home on Sunday. Her body was discovered in Cache Creek, not far from the yard she had wandered out of.
Outside the rescue command post in Clearlake, the faces and body language expressed disappointment more poignantly than any words.
The announcement came just past noon from Police Chief Craig Clausen.
"Unfortunately we have conclusion to the search; Mikaela has been found, deceased in the water, not far from the residence," he said.
Clausen said divers found the body in Cache Creek, a tributary leading from Clear Lake. He said there is no evidence of foul play, and gave no additional details, but did relay a request from the family for privacy.
