Drowning Death Of 4-Year Old Autistic Boy Near Jay Was Accidental, SRSO Says

October 18, 2021

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office says the drowning death of a 4-year old autistic boy Saturday in Jay is being investigated as accidental.

The young boy’s foster parent told deputies he had locked and barricaded the front door of their house on Cozart Lane due to his autism. He said the boy was taking a nap, but when he checked on him about 10 minutes later he was missing. The foster dad and another relative searched the property.

The victim was found about 150 yards from the residence in pond, according to deputies. The foster dad attempted CPR, until the fire department arrived. The young boy was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital by LifeFlight where he was pronounced deceased.

Comments

5 Responses to “Drowning Death Of 4-Year Old Autistic Boy Near Jay Was Accidental, SRSO Says”

  1. Mary Donovan McClellan on October 26th, 2021 6:48 pm

    This is such a tragic story, and one we see often among the area we serve at Autism Pensacola. The comments by PLI are absolutely correct. We offer a free program in conjunction with Escambia County Search and Rescue called Project Lifesaver. If anyone wants more information, please visit our website at http://www.autismpensacola.org. If you know anyone who might benefit from this program, have them call us at 850.434.7171.

  2. PLI on October 21st, 2021 4:53 am

    Autism Pensacola and Escambia Search And Rescue provide emergency location technology to prevent terrible accidents such as these (in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties). A Perimeter Alarm alerts care givers when a loved one wanders, and locating equipment can quickly locate and return them to safety. Last I heard there was no cost to the family. Works for younger people with Autism, or older people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Many people don’t know about this program, until a tragedy or near tragedy occurs. It’s called Project Lifesaver and has saved thousands of lives. There have been multiple rescues locally.

  3. Js on October 20th, 2021 8:41 am

    So sad praying for the foster family. Hes in great hands

  4. Jon on October 18th, 2021 6:57 pm

    So sad. My 7 year old son is autistic and will wander off if I don’t hold his hand. I get nervous when he’s not right by my side. This is a parents worst nightmare. I couldn’t live without my little buddy!!! He’s my WORLD!! May God bless this family and comfort them through this time of their loss.

  5. EMD on October 18th, 2021 12:43 pm

    That is so very sad. My condolences to the foster parents and anyone else who loved him.