'Loud, scary world': Missing K-9 found dead after bolting from fireworks

Police in the California city of Reedley have called off a search for a missing K-9 that had gotten loose on July 4, The Fresno Bee reported.

“We have found him,” Reedley Police Chief Jose Garza announced Thursday. “Unfortunately, the outcome is not what we had hoped for. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of his passing.”

Officers from several law enforcement agencies were looking for the 10-year-old German Shepard named "Kona" who escaped from his handler’s home as fireworks were going off.

“It appears that Kona was struck by a vehicle,” Garza wrote, ”and crawled into a vineyard, where he succumbed to his injuries.”

The California Highway Patrol will investigate whether the dog's death was the result of a hit-and-run.

"Absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for his handler and those in the department," one person wrote on the department's Facebook page.

Some wondered why the dog was in a garage and not indoors on the 4th.

“Your dedication and compassion were truly inspiring during this challenging time,” Chief Garza wrote.

“Please take a moment to remember Kona and keep his handler in your thoughts during this difficult period of grief and loss. We hope that he and his family find solace in knowing how many people cared deeply about the safe return of Kona.”