1 week Ago By Jeremiah Hassel
A 5-year-old boy with autism, who was reported missing , was found dead in a pond near an apartment complex, as per the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Kayden Nolen was declared missing around 4:30 p.m.
on Wednesday from the Residences at Lakeview Apartments in Memphis. His aunt, Lakevra Bronson, noticed his absence upon waking from a nap, reported Fox 13. She mentioned that it wasn't uncommon for him to wander off, but he was usually quickly located by family members when he did.
However, this time was different, the Express US reported. Consequently, the family filed an endangered missing persons report on Wednesday. On Thursday, they were delivered the devastating news no family ever wants to hear — Kayden had been discovered dead in a nearby pond, as stated in a Facebook post by the Memphis Police Department around 3 p.
m. on Thursday. "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the devastating news that 5-year-old Kayden Nolen has been found deceased in a body of water located within the apartment complex where he was last seen," the police wrote.
"Our hearts are broken. This is a tragedy that has deeply affected not only Kayden's loved ones but our entire community," the statement continued. "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.
" Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories. The department further noted that it had conducted a search for over 19 hours by air, on foot, and through the water before finding the young boy's body. In a display of profound communal effort, the local department expressed their heartfelt thanks to all involved in the exhaustive search for 5-year-old Kayden: "We extend our deepest gratitude to the many agencies, volunteers, and community members who have worked tirelessly over the past 19+ hours in the search for Kayden," the department said in its update.
Despite the harrowing outcome that deviated from everyone's hopes, they emphasized the unforgettable impact of the community's dedication and compassion. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. The department then acknowledged the immense grief of Kayden's family and implored for respect of their privacy during the period of mourning: "As the family begins to process this terrible loss, we ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve," it urged.
The community's support was recognized as being deeply felt and significant: "Thank you to everyone who offered prayers, support, and time in the effort to find Kayden. Your love for this little boy has been felt — and it matters." Kayden's grandfather, Benjamin Pace, heartbroken yet grateful for the swift discovery of his grandson by authorities, spoke to Fox 13, offering a poignant reminder to parents about vigilance: "I'm just glad they found him when they did as soon as they did.
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 overprotective. You're just being protective enough." The tragedy strikes close on the heels of another devastating incident where a 6-year-old Australian girl was discovered deceased mere hours after she disappeared from her home.
The girl, identified as Airlie Montgomery, was nonverbal, under multiple medications, and her body was eventually found in a waterway beneath the Grotto. With her last sighting in the town of North Nowra, she had vanished near luscious forest and a steep cliff, alarmingly close to her home merely half a mile away. Her untimely passing has since been declared a tragic accident.
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