A heartbreaking search for a missing 5-year-old boy with autism ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed the child was found dead just hours after he disappeared in Pennsylvania.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Ajani Jermaine Samuels, who was non-verbal and also had epilepsy, vanished Sunday morning from the area of Rose Drive in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County. Authorities said the young boy was last seen around 9 a.m. wearing a navy blue long-sleeved polo shirt and gray shorts.
An extensive search quickly unfolded involving emergency responders, rescue teams, K9 units, divers, aviation crews, and multiple local agencies. Officials said Ajani was located deceased in a body of water around 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue shared a statement expressing condolences to the child’s loved ones and the surrounding community.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends and community members affected by today’s events,” the organization said, adding that the devastating outcome was “never” what rescuers hope to encounter during a search.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by children with autism who wander from home, particularly those who are non-verbal. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation continues.
