Eden Prairie police say a body pulled from a pond Sunday night is likely that of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing earlier in the day.
Body found in Eden Prairie pond matches description of missing 11-year-old boy, police say
Mohamed Mohamed, who has autism, went missing around 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
Mohamed Mohamed, who is autistic and nonverbal, was last seen about 5:45 p.m. near his residence on Cardiff Lane. A body matching the description of Mohamed was pulled from a pond about four hours later near his home, a statement from the Eden Prairie Police Department said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mohamed during this incredibly difficult time,” the department’s statement said. “We would also like to thank everyone who participated in the search efforts.”
At least four children have drowned in the Twin Cities metro area since this summer, including one other case where the victim was a nonverbal child with autism.
The death is another reminder of why it’s important to raise awareness around the dangers of drowning when it comes to young children with autism, said Mahdi Warsama, chief executive of the nonprofit Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN).
“It makes you worry who’s next, and what can happen in the future,” Warsama said. “That’s why it’s important we place more awareness around children with autism and safety techniques and programs.”
In June, Waeys Ali Mohamed, another Somali boy with autism, drowned after the 4-year-old wandered away from his mother’s apartment and entered Minnehaha Creek. For a decade, Warsama’s organization has worked to increase resources available for Somali families of children with autism, which often face greater language and cultural barriers.
Some of SPAN’s work has focused on educating parents of children with autism, and on emphasizing the need for better door and window alarms, as well as locks. Warsama also emphasized the importance of finding specialized swim lessons for children with autism and equipping children with GPS tracking bracelets.
The Police Department, in partnership with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol and Hennepin County Medical Examiner, is still investigating the incident in Eden Prairie.
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