1 week Ago By People
A missing 5-year-old boy was discovered deceased in a Memphis apartment complex pond on Thursday, April 10, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) social media post . Kayden Nolen, a 5-year-old boy with autism, was reported missing around 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, at the Residences at Lakeview Apartments in Memphis, Tenn. Nolen’s aunt, Lakevra Brounson, discovered that he was missing from the apartment after she woke up from a nap, per Fox 13 . She said that it wasn’t unusual for him to wander off, but usually he was quickly found by family members.
An endangered missing persons report was then issued on Wednesday. Related: 7-Year-Old Girl with Autism Found Dead in Potomac River After Going Missing, Officials Say: 'Tragic' On Thursday, the Memphis Police Department said in a Facebook statement at 3 p.m.
ET that his body was located. The department searched for over 19 hours, by air, on foot, and through the water, before the young boy’s body was recovered. "I'm just glad they found him when they did as soon as they did," Nolen’s grandfather Benjamin Pace told Fox 13.
"Pay attention to your kids more. Look out for them more. In a blink of an eye, your child can be gone.
You're never over protective. You're just being protective enough.” Related: Missing 5-Year-Old Boy with Autism Found Dead in Pond Near Home: ‘A Nightmare’ "Our hearts are broken," the Memphis Police Department said.
"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." “Though the outcome is not what any of us had hoped for, your dedication and compassion will never be forgotten,” read the statement.
“As the family begins to process this terrible loss, we ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.” “We are keeping his family, friends and those who knew him in our hearts, and offer our most sincere condolences in their loss,” TBI said in a statement. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
A representative for the Memphis Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for more information on Thursday. Read the original article on People.
