Missing 5-Year-Old Boy With Autism Found Dead

A community in Charles County, Maryland, is mourning the tragic death of 5-year-old Miles McMahon, an autistic boy who wandered away from his home in Waldorf on Sunday. After an extensive search, rescuers found his body in a nearby pond just after midnight on Monday. Miles, who was nonverbal, had gone missing earlier that day from his home on St. Paul’s Drive. Maryland State Police divers located him in the pond after hours of searching.

Community Grieves and Offers Support

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken along with Miles’ family and all of you. Please keep Miles and his family in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the first responders and all those who assisted.”

In the aftermath, neighbors gathered near the pond to lay flowers, balloons, and teddy bears in memory of the young boy. While many did not personally know Miles or his family, they came together to show support. Some had even helped search for him, hoping for a different outcome.

Ashley Ulrich, whose daughter attended elementary school with Miles, said, “I tossed and turned last night, just praying for a better outcome. But when I saw the news, the least I could do was come pay my respects.” Another neighbor, Dale Hughes, shared how the tragedy hit close to home, as his 5-year-old child is also nonverbal and autistic. “If it was me and my family, I would want the same support,” he added.

Miles’ Last Moments and Search Efforts

Miles’ disappearance was reported after his family noticed he had slipped out of the house unnoticed. Home security footage showed him in the front yard, skipping around in a red T-shirt, with no pants or shoes. Family members quickly called 911, but by the time authorities arrived, he was already gone.  A large-scale search effort was launched, including specialized tracking apps, trained dogs, drones, and a police helicopter. Neighbors were asked to check their homes and review security footage to assist in the search. The sheriff’s office focused on nearby bodies of water, and although an initial dive team didn’t locate him, the Maryland State Police dive team found Miles in the pond shortly after midnight.

Cautions to Keep in Mind

Miles’ death highlights the alarming risk of drowning among children with autism. According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than other children. This tragic incident underscores the importance of water safety, especially for families with autistic loved ones.

Autism Speaks offers several tips for preventing such incidents: emphasize the dangers of water, take steps to prevent wandering, and enroll children in swim lessons. Some local counties, including Montgomery and Fairfax, have aquatic programs designed specifically for people with disabilities.