5-year-old Kayden Nolen (Credit: Memphis Police)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Authorities said a missing 5-year-old boy has been found deceased in a body of water near an apartment complex where he was last seen.
The backstory:
The Memphis Police Department said Kayden Nolen was last seen Wednesday.
According to WMC, the child was diagnosed with autism and went missing after his aunt, who was caring for him, fell asleep at the Lakeview Apartments in Meadow Lake.
After a 19-hour search, his body was located, according to the outlet.
What they're saying:
"Our hearts are broken," the police said on its Facebook page. "This is a tragedy that has deeply affected not only Kayden’s loved ones but our entire community."
"The loss of a child is a pain no family should ever have to endure, and we stand with Kayden’s family as they face this unimaginable heartbreak," they continued.
What you can do:
According to Autism Speaks, it's very common for children with autism to wander.
Some tips to prevent wandering include:
- Securing your home
- Considering a locating device
- Considering an ID bracelet
- Teaching your child to swim
- Alerting your neighbors
- Alerting first responders
The Source: The information in this story comes from statements made by the Memphis Police Department, including a post on the department’s official Facebook page. Additional details were reported by local news outlet WMC. This story was reported from Los Angeles.