A Florida family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 5-year-old Jaylen Saintelien, who was found dead in a pond just one day after he disappeared from their new home in Naples.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Jaylen, a nonverbal child with autism, went missing around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, as his family was unpacking and settling into their new residence. His mother told deputies she had last seen him sitting at the kitchen counter, eating pizza, while she folded clothes in a nearby bedroom.
Moments later, when she checked back, Jaylen was gone.
She immediately enlisted help from her fiancé and brother to search the home and surrounding area. When they couldn’t find him, the family called 911, prompting a widespread search involving ground teams, drones, mounted patrol units, and a dive team.
After an exhaustive search that stretched into the next day, Jaylen’s body was tragically discovered on the morning of Sunday, July 27, in a pond near the family’s new home.
“We are heartbroken for Jaylen’s family,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “We also want to thank the first responders and community members who helped during the search.”
Jaylen’s father declined media interviews but shared his grief on social media by reposting a tribute to his son from a WINK News anchor, writing simply: “My son is gone.”
Jaylen’s death has stunned the local community and left many mourning alongside the family during what was supposed to be a fresh start in a new home.
