Yet Another Heartbreaking Example of Systemic Failure in North Carolina

Buckle up, folks. Authorities in North Carolina have found the body of a missing 8-year-old boy, Zachariah William Walker, who was autistic and non-verbal. Because, of course, what this world needs is more heartache for the vulnerable.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office told USA TODAY that Zachariah was found dead in a small pond near his home just before noon Wednesday. The town, Ronda, is about 45 miles northwest of Winston-Salem. Because why not add some geography to this tragedy?

The boy was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, and more than three dozen local and state agencies, along with community volunteers and friends, searched for Zach for over 16 hours. That’s right, folks, it took a village to not save the day.

Reavis said between 100 to 150 personnel from dozens of agencies participated in the search. "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," Wilkes County Emergency Medical Services Director Jason Reavis told WXII-TV. Cue the sympathetic violins.

Coroner to Determine How Zachariah William Walker Officially Died

Foul play is not suspected, but the sheriff's office Major Logan Kerr said the case remained under investigation on Friday. A coroner will determine the boy's official cause and manner of death. Because, you know, bureaucracy.

The Dangers of 'Elopement'

According to the National Autism Association, many non-verbal children frequently disappear in what's called "elopement" − wandering from a safe area. Research shows some autistic individuals elope because they are overwhelmed by sensory stimulation, but the most common trigger is curiosity. Oh, look, more depressing statistics.

A review by the association found over 800 elopement cases from 2011 to 2016, with nearly a third being fatal or requiring medical attention. Another 38% involved close calls with water, traffic, or other life-threatening situations. Fun times.

Recently Reported Child Elopement Cases

A recent case took place on Aug. 6 in Boise, Idaho, where police recovered the body of a missing autistic 5-year-old boy who disappeared from his birthday party. The Boise Police Department reported Matthew Glynn's body was found on Aug. 7 in a canal about a half-mile from where he was last seen. Because apparently, it wasn’t traumatic enough for one day.

That same day, about 2,000 miles southeast on Florida's Atlantic coast, a 5-year-old boy with autism also disappeared from his home. Not long after, a Volusia County Sheriff's Office deputy located the boy in a nearby pond holding onto a log. Body camera footage shows the deputy jumping into the pond and carrying the boy to safety. Silver linings, I guess.

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.