6-Year-Old Ohio Boy with Autism Found Dead After Extensive Search

Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., who was nonverbal and had autism, was discovered in a pond near his home after going missing Wednesday evening.

Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., a 6-year-old boy with autism, was reported missing Wednesday evening from his home in West Chester, Ohio.
After an extensive search involving 300 volunteers and multiple agencies, his body was found Thursday night in a pond near his apartment complex.
Preliminary findings from the coroner indicate the cause of death was accidental drowning, a leading cause of fatality in children with autism who wander.
The National Autism Association has issued an urgent appeal for increased awareness about autism-related wandering and drowning risks, especially during the holidays.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to finalize details, while the community mourns the tragic loss.