Authorities in Florida said a 5-year-old non-verbal autistic boy was found dead in a pool a day after he was reported missing as they were unpacking in their new family home.
In a statement, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said the minor, identified as Jaylen Saintelien, disappeared around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Authorities said Jaylen and his family had just moved into a home on Magnolia Pond Circle and were unpacking when they realized he was nowhere to be found.
The family ultimately called 911 after they quickly searched for Jaylen inside the home and nearby areas.
“CCSO began a search on the ground and in the air. Patrol deputies, Aviation, K-9, Drones, Mounted Patrol, Dive Team, Marine Patrol and detectives along with EMS and Greater Naples Fire Department searched through the evening and into the morning hours,” the statement said.
Authorities said that deputies, on the morning of July 27, ultimately found Jaylen’s body in a pond close to the family’s residence.
READ ALSO: Missing autistic boy found dead after aunt fell asleep while watching him: police
“We are heartbroken for Jaylen’s family and we extend our gratitude to our fellow first responders and the many members of the community who assisted in the search,” the CCSO said.
Officials with Family Initiative, a local non-profit that works with families to support autistic relatives and help to ensure that they are safe, shared details on the behavioral patterns of such patients.
“We know, and we talk about it, that it is more likely for a child with autism to leave the house to elope and to be drawn to bodies of water,” Anjali Vandrie, VP and Co-Founder of Family Initiative, told WINK News.
The non-profit also emphasized that it is prudent for physical barriers including door locks, baby locks, and alarms to be installed as an effort to stop children from straying outdoors.
“Alarms on the doors just so and in any way to prevent children getting out of the house. And if, God forbid, they do that, someone in the house is alerted to that,” David Brown, President and Founder of Family Initiative, also said.
The non-profit advises that it is essential for parents with autistic children to speak with neighbors and provide details such as photos as well as contact information. Should there be a case where your child gets out of the house, those details could help neighbors to identify and help the child.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into Jaylen’s death.
