8-Year-Old Found Dead in Pond

Authorities Recover Body of Missing Autistic Boy in North Carolina

Authorities in North Carolina have recovered the body of an 8-year-old autistic and non-verbal boy, Zachariah William Walker, who was reported missing from his home earlier this week.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to USA TODAY that Zachariah was found dead in a small pond near his home in Ronda just before noon on Wednesday. Ronda is about 45 miles northwest of Winston-Salem.

Zachariah was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, according to the sheriff's office. A search effort involving more than three dozen local and state agencies, along with community volunteers, friends, and family, spanned over 16 hours. Between 100 to 150 personnel participated in the search, as stated by Wilkes County Emergency Medical Services Director Jason Reavis in an interview with WXII-TV.

Reavis expressed, “We want them to know and to feel like we were here in a positive way, to support and come to a positive outcome, and even though we did not, we want to know that we brought closure and that they're in our thoughts and our prayers, and we want to support them to the best of our ability.”

Foul play is not suspected, but the case remains under investigation, according to sheriff's office Major Logan Kerr. A coroner will determine the boy's official cause and manner of death.

Related: Her boy wandered from home and died: This mom wants you to know the perils of 'elopement.'

Dangers of 'Elopement'

According to the National Autism Association, many non-verbal children with autism frequently engage in "elopement" — the tendency to leave a safe area or the care of a responsible person. Research indicates that sensory overstimulation or curiosity can trigger elopement. A review by the association found over 800 elopement cases between 2011 and 2016, with nearly a third being fatal or requiring medical attention, and another 38% involving life-threatening situations.

Related: Recently reported child elopement cases

Recent Elopement Cases

On Aug. 6, a missing autistic 5-year-old boy, Matthew Glynn, was found dead in a canal in Boise, Idaho, after disappearing from his birthday party. That same day, a 5-year-old boy with autism in Volusia County, Florida, disappeared from his home and was later found in a pond holding onto a log. Body camera footage shows the deputy jumping into the pond and rescuing the boy.

Contributing: Ahjané Forbes

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.