A missing 13-year-old boy with autism has been found dead in a Florida lake following an intensive, multi-agency search that lasted nearly two days, authorities confirmed.
The teen, identified as Na’Sean Kirkland, was reported missing Saturday afternoon after leaving his home in Maitland with his brother. His brother was located safely a short time later, but Na’Sean remained unaccounted for, prompting an urgent and widespread search effort.
Police, fire crews, and multiple partner agencies launched a large-scale operation that included helicopters, dive teams, sonar equipment, and ground searches across several nearby lakes and neighborhoods. Much of the initial focus centered on Lake Sybelia, where the boy had previously been known to go.
After hours of searching through the weekend, a body matching Na’Sean’s description was discovered Sunday evening in Lake Eulalia, a small body of water located just a short distance from his home. Officials said the body was found about 20 feet from shore in roughly eight feet of water by someone assisting in the search.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later confirmed the teen’s death and canceled the missing child alert. Authorities have indicated there are no signs of foul play, though the official cause of death is pending results from the medical examiner.
According to investigators and family members, Na’Sean was nonverbal and had a history of wandering, often being drawn to bodies of water—factors that heightened concern from the moment he was reported missing.
The tragic outcome has left the Maitland community grieving, as neighbors and volunteers who joined the search effort expressed heartbreak over the loss.
Officials and advocates say the case underscores the dangers associated with wandering behavior among children with autism, particularly near water, and are urging increased awareness and preventative safety measures for families.
Na’Sean’s family has thanked the community and first responders for their efforts as they mourn the devastating loss of their son.
