A 5-year-old boy with autism who went missing on Thursday, March 23, was found dead, according to police.
The child was found dead in a pond near the residence where the emergency call originated at around 9 p.m. the same day, according to a news release on the Rains County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Deputies arrived on the scene and set up a command post. A search was conducted, which included multiple law enforcement agencies.
Details are sparse as the Rains County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and seek answers into how the little boy went missing.
Law enforcement identified the child as Miguel, who had autism and was non-verbal, according to deputies.
The release states that the child went missing around 6:10 p.m. from a home on FM 2737. He was last seen wearing a teal shirt with a Dr. Seuss character print.
People took to social media and commented on the Rains County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page to give condolences to the family and offer prayers.
“This is so heartbreaking and frightening. I pray for comfort for his family. I also pray for all LEO and first responders involved. You guys are a special breed,” said user Debbie Jones.
Another user, Nancy Butts, commented and said she has family members who share the same condition as Miguel.
“I have two grandsons who are nonverbal. My heart is breaking for everyone involved. What a tragedy. What a beautiful little boy. Please accept my condolences.”
Rains County Sheriff Michael Hopkins offered his condolences via Facebook.
“Our hearts are heavy regarding the result of yesterday evenings call for service. There are no words that I can convey to help all that were involved directly or indirectly in this incident.
“My heart goes out to the family and all Rains County Citizens that this has affected.
“For any that were involved in this incident and may need help with the process, today or the coming days, please reach out to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office we do have resources that can help.
“Thank you all again!” said Hopkins in a statement.
The Dallas Express reached out to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office for additional information but did not receive a response by the publication deadline.
Sad. Sorry to hear about this.
Autism is on the rise, especially for minorities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recently…The CDC reports that autism now affects 1 in 36 children.
The rates keep rising at an accelerated rate. By 2035, I believe that it is projected that 1 in 2 boys will be on the Autism spectrum.
In the 1950’s, I never saw anyone on the spectrum.
I personally feel that for the most part, it is not genetic but environmental influences which are causing this rate.
I’m sure that injecting toxic aluminum into veins doesn’t help things.