5-year-old Florida boy found death in the pond after he disappeared from home

A non-verbal 5-year-old boy with autism was found dead in a pond over the weekend just one day after he disappeared from his home in Florida, the authorities said.

On Saturday, July 26, Jaylen Saintelia’s family packed up after they moved into his new home in Naples when they realized he had disappeared about 15:15 local time, Collier County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Jaylen’s mother dropped clothes in a bedroom while Jaylen was sitting on a bar stool and eating pizza on the kitchen counter, according to an incident report, which was reviewed by people.

His mother had checked in and saw him at the counter, but when she looked again a “short time later”, she did not see him, says the report.

It was not possible to find Jaylen in the apartment and asked the little boy’s mother’s brother and hubby for help.

After doing a quick search at home and the area, the family called 911 to help search for the missing child, says officials in their statement.

Upon arrival at the scene, alternates began a search on the ground and in the air with the help of drones, mounted patrol, a glove and more.

They were looking for Jaylen until the next day. His body was recovered in the morning on Sunday July 27, “in a pond near the family’s home,” said the sheriff’s office.

“We are heartbroken for Jaylen’s family,” brought officials, “and we expand our gratitude to our first respondents and the many members in society that helped with the search.”

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Jaylen’s father declined an interview with CBS Affiliate WINK But later a post about his death that had been posted by a Wink News anchor on Facebook.

“My son is gone,” he wrote according to the outlet.