Nationwide — Na’Sean Kirkland, a 13-year-old boy from Maitland, Florida, was found dead in a small lake near his home after going missing for two days. The boy, who had autism and loved water, sparked a large search involving police, volunteers, and neighbors.
Na’Sean disappeared Saturday afternoon near his home. His parents, Keasha Jefferson and Charles Kirkland, first searched the neighborhood themselves before calling authorities when they couldn’t locate him.
According to WESH, Maitland police and partner agencies launched a wide search using dogs, boats, and sonar. Volunteers joined in, combing Lake Sybelia, a nearby lake Na’Sean often visited, hoping to bring him home safely. Despite thorough checks of nearby waters, the boy remained missing.
After nearly two days of searching, a neighbor discovered Na’Sean’s body in Lake Eulalia, a small lake just a few hundred feet from his house. The family had visually checked this lake earlier but focused most of their effort on Lake Sybelia, where he often played.
Na’Sean was one of three boys with autism in the family. His parents described him as mischievous, energetic, and full of love. His father said, “He was an extremely extraordinary individual. He had regular, kid-like shortcomings, but he showed the affection and the depth of his love and occasionally even said, ‘I love you.'”
Though the loss is devastating, the parents thanked everyone who helped the search. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist with funeral and transport costs to bring Na’Sean home to Illinois.
Police said there are no signs of foul play and are awaiting the medical examiner’s report to confirm the cause of death. Jefferson reminded parents of children with special needs to stay vigilant at all times.
“To the parents out there who not only have kids but have special needs kids, you’ve got to watch them every second because you never know when that second is going to be your last,” Jefferson said.