WALDORF, MD – In a heart-wrenching sequence of events, a 5-year-old autistic boy, Miles McMahon, vanished from his Charles County home Sunday morning, ultimately found deceased in a nearby pond. The serene neighborhood of Waldorf witnessed an emergency search operation that extended across the day and into late night.
The community, along with Maryland State Police, exerted every effort to locate Miles, who was nonverbal, creating a sense of urgency and collective hope. Tragically, the search concluded shortly after midnight on Monday when divers found the boy’s body near his home.
This incident marks the second time since July that an autistic child has drowned in the D.C. area, highlighting an urgent issue noted by Autism Speaks, which identifies a strong link between autism-related wandering and water hazards.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office shared their sorrow, supporting the family and commending the community’s involvement. In a touching tribute, locals adorned the pond’s edge with mementos of affection.
Many community members participated in the search regardless of their personal connection to the family, driven by empathy and a desire to protect their own. One such individual, Dale Hughes, shared how the incident resonated with him on a personal level due to having a child with similar challenges.
According to authorities, surveillance footage captured Miles as he left his home, prompting family members to promptly report his absence. Despite rapid response and deployment of search resources including dogs, drones, and aerial support, the search met an unfortunate end.
Efforts were concentrated near water areas, reflecting an understanding of the risks autistic children face around water. This twice-checked pond eventually revealed the late discovery of Miles.
With statistics revealing a 160-fold increase in drowning risk for autistic children, advocacy groups urge for community education and enhanced strategies to prevent such tragedies.