“This is never that outcome that anyone wants to be a part of," Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue said in a statement regarding Ajani Jermaine Samuels
Credit: Pennsylvania State Police
NEED TO KNOW
- A young child was found dead after wandering away from a Pennsylvania residence
- The victim was identified as 5-year-old Ajani Jermaine Samuels
- He was recovered from a body of water
Local authorities have confirmed the death of a child with autism who was previously reported missing in Pennsylvania.
Ajani Jermaine Samuels, 5, “was located deceased with the assistance of several K9 resources,” Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue said in a statement to Facebook on Sunday, April 10.
“Our [hearts] go out to his family, friends and community members affected by today’s events,” the statement continued. “This is never that outcome that anyone wants to be a part of.”
In an updated press release shared with PEOPLE on Monday, April 11, Pennsylvania State Police said Ajani was found “in a body of water” around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
According to authorities, Ajani was non-verbal, and had autism and epilepsy.
Ajani was last seen Sunday morning at approximately 9 a.m. in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County after he left the area of the 100 block of Rose Drive. The child was wearing a navy blue long-sleeved polo shirt and gray shorts.
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Emergency responders with local fire companies, Lehigh Valley EMS, rescue divers, Monroe County OEM, PSP K9 and aviation assisted in the search for the child.
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