Search efforts at Lake Eulalia in Maitland came to a tragic end last night, when officials said a body matching the description of a missing 13-year-old boy was recovered from the water. The case now rests with the medical examiner, as the boy’s family and nearby residents wait for formal identification.
According to ClickOrlando, Robert Sargent with the City of Maitland said the body was discovered about 20 feet from shore in roughly eight feet of water around 7:00 p.m. Sunday by someone assisting in the search. The youth matched both the appearance and last-known clothing of 13-year-old Na’Sean Kirkland, who had been reported missing Saturday afternoon at around 1:30 p.m.
Na’Sean was last seen with his brother, who also has autism. Police said the brother has since been reunited with their parents, but added that they could not provide additional details about what happened because of communication difficulties.
“At this stage, there are no signs of foul play,” Sargent told ClickOrlando. The Orange County Medical Examiner is tasked with confirming the child’s identity and determining an official cause of death. Authorities have held back further information while that review is underway.
Why Wandering Is Especially Dangerous
Wandering, sometimes referred to as elopement, is a well-known safety concern for children on the autism spectrum and is often linked with water-related fatalities. The National Autism Association has documented that a large share of wandering-related deaths among children end in drowning. A detailed, peer-reviewed analysis of reported wandering behavior is also available through PubMed Central.
What Officials Say and What’s Next
Investigators said they will wait for the medical examiner’s findings before releasing additional details. The family has requested privacy while officials complete their work, and local authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Maitland Police Department.
