JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 7-year-old boy with autism who was reported missing Wednesday morning was sadly found dead in a pond, and no foul play is suspected, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
JSO said Chace Brown, who was non-verbal, was last seen leaving his Northside Jacksonville home off Broward Road near I-95 around 7 a.m.
Police, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, and volunteers searched through the neighborhood, nearby woods and around the water. JSO also used its helicopter in the search.
The agency later shared an update saying, “We are heartbroken to announce Chace has passed away.”
He was found in a nearby pond just behind Seaside Charter School.
According to the CDC, Florida ranks among states with the highest drowning rates, specifically for children.
Research shows that some children with autism may wander toward water. The Autism Society says water can feel calming during sensory overload.
JSO thanked those who helped spread the word about the missing boy and expressed sorrow for his family.
“Thank you to all who shared this post during our search. Our hearts are with Chace’s family,” JSO wrote.
People said that they did not know Chace or his family, but they wanted to help in some way.
“I have grandchildren at 6 and 8 [years old], and it just touched my heart. I said I wouldn’t want that to be my child, so let me at least try to go out and walk...,” volunteer searcher Trena Gaines said.
Others are asking what more needs to be done to make the area safer for children. One neighbor said she noticed the search while she was heading out to run errands.
“I just had a really bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I said, when she said he was autistic and nonverbal, I said, ‘It’s that water. They need to go check that water immediately, that marsh and that water.’ When I came back home, it was devastating to find out that he, he passed away,” Kia Hudson said.
She said that she tells her kids to stay away from it.
“We would like for it to be completely gated off as well as the retention pond in the back of our homes, but they haven’t done it,” Hudson said. “My heart just goes out to the family, and I just feel terrible for Chace. I mean, I’m sad it happened.”
Neighbors are also asking about Florida’s new Spectrum Alert program for children with autism. It went into effect on July 1. We’re asking JSO and FDLE why no alert was issued in this case.