Randle Barrow

Randle Barrow (2005-2013)

Randle Barrow was 8 years old and had autism. He lived in Huntsville, Alabama. Randle had missed school for two days, leading law enforcement to visit his house on December 14, 2013. Law enforcement discovered at his home that there had been a house fire, and they found the body of his mother Delicia Lattice Barrow in the house. After a search for Randle Barrow, his body was discovered about midnight on December 15, 2013, in the Tennessee River in the Honeycomb area of Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama. Police report that Randle's mother drowned him and then killed herself.

Tribute: 

"Randle was a joy every day he was with us. He was always smiling, giggling, and greeting those around him. His concern and caring for his classmates and teachers were evident every day. Randle will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to his family (Melody Crane, Riley Center)."

Links about Randle Barrow: 

News: 

• Missing Boys Body Found in Lake Guntersville (Autism Speaks)

• BREAKING NEWS: Body of Missing 8 Year Old Randle Barrow Found in Lake Guntersville (WHNTV)

• Search for Missing Autistic Boy Ends in Tragedy (MyFoxAL) 

• Police: Randle Barrow's Mother Drowned Him in Tennessee River, Then Killed Herself  

• Resources Are Out There: Riley Center Remembers Autistic Student Randle Barrow 

Marquail D. Johnson

Marquail D. Johnson (2005-2013)

Marquail D. Johnson was 8 years old and had autism. He is from Peoria, Illinois. He was pronounced dead on August 15, 2013, after he went missing and was found suffocated inside an older style refrigerator that was outside in a yard near his home. It was the kind of refrigerator that when left out is supposed to have the door or latch removed for safety, because once closed it can not be opened from the inside. His parents are Michael and Shinta Johnson.

Links about Marquail D. Johnson: 

Blogs: Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering

          Obituary: Legacy Obituary for Marquail Johnson

News: 

• Missing Peoria Boys Body Found in Refrigerator 

• Investigation Ongoing After Body of Missing Autistic Boy Found in Peoria  

• Coroner: 8 Year Old Boy Suffocated to Death  

• Missing Boy With Autism Found Dead in Peoria 

Anthony Kuznia

Anthony Kuznia (2002-2013)

Anthony Kuznia was 11 years old and had autism. He is from East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Anthony went missing from his home on August 7, 2013, and after an intensive search was found in the Red River near his Grandmother's home on August 8, 2013. Anthony's father is Barry Kuznia of Stephen, Minnesota and his mother is Jennifer Bartz of Grand Forks. He also is survived by two sisters, Sophia Margaret and Elizabeth Rae. At the time of his death Anthony had been living with his Grandmother Janet Luettjohann of East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

Tributes: Anthony Loved Life and Touched Many Lives

"Anthony completed fifth grade last spring at Phoenix Elementary School and was currently enrolled in summer school at New Heights Elementary School. Anthony loved life and touched many lives. He enjoyed his friends at S.M.I.L.E., Special Olympics, and Development Homes, Inc. (Source/Obituary)."

Links about Anthony Kuznia: 

Obituary: Grand Forks Herald Obituary; Amundson Funeral Home Obituary

Blogs: Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering

News: 

• An April 2012 Article Focused on Autism Featured Anthony Kuznia 

• Body of East Grand Forks, Minn Boy Found 

• A Community Remembers Anthony Kuznia  

Liam Hamilton

Liam Hamilton (2006-2013)

Liam Hamilton was seven years old and had autism. He lived in Atlanta, Texas in Bowie County. Liam wandered off from his home on July 24, 2013. About 8:00pm that day his body was found in a private pond along Trexler Road between Redwater and Texarkana, Texas. Liam is the son of Amber Giles and Derrick Hamilton.

Links about Liam Hamilton: 

Obituary:  Texarkana Gazette Obituary

News: 

• Body of Missing Bowie Co Boy With Autism Found in Pond  

• Wandering Risk Higher Among Children With Autism 

• Update: Missing Redwater Boy Found

Alexandre Guy Lemay

Alexandre Guy Lemay, 13 Years

Alexandre Guy Lemay of North Bay, Ontario Canada was 13 years old and had autism. Alexandre died on July 19, 2013, in an accident. He got out of the car he was in and walked into the road, where he was hit by a pickup truck. Alexandre is the son of Julie (nee Desjardins) and Alain Lemay.

Tributes: 

"Alexandre touched the lives of many people with his infectious smile and free spirited nature (From Obituary)."

Links about Alexandre Guy Lemay: 

Obituary: YourLifeMoments.ca 

News:

• Death of Autistic Boy Chilling Reminder for Caregivers

• No Charges Will Be Laid in Fatal Coniston Collision

Nicholas Shaffer

Nicholas Shaffer, 12 Years

Nicholas Lowell (Nic) Shaffer of Peninsula, Ohio had autism and passed away at 12 years of age. He jumped into Mud Creek near Akron, Ohio on July 11, 2013, and was swept away in the unusually high water. Rescue personnel discovered his body on July 14, 2013. Nic was the son of Jon Shaffer and Lisa Traylor.

Tributes: He Always Found Ways to Express His Love 

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we have received," said Nic's family. "While Nic could not speak, he always found ways to express his love for the people around him. He will be dearly missed (Source: News video no longer available online)."

"He will be remembered for his infectious belly laugh and giant smile that could always light up a room," according to his obituary. "In the short time on earth he made a positive impact on the many lives he touched. He taught us all what really mattered in life, namely, to never take the little blessings in life for granted (Obituary at Legacy.com)."

Links about Nicholas Shaffer:

Obituary: Legacy.com Obituary 

Blogs: We Mourn the Loss of a 12 Year Old Little Boy With Autism (Lost and Tired Blog) 

Facebook Memorial Page: Family and Friends of Nic Shaffer 

News:

• Search for 12 Year Old Boy With Autism Behind Akron Apartments Now Recovery Effort

• Helicopter Aids Search for Missing Boy

• Body Presumed to Be Boy Swept Away ID'ed

  Note: After hearing of the passing of Nicholas Shaffer the creator of the Autism Light blog was moved to start this companion blog to remember those who had autism. The was the first post at Autism Rest.

Michael Kingsbury

Michael Kingsbury, 7 Years

Michael Kingsbury of Washington D.C. was 7 years old and had autism. He went missing from his home on July 7, 2013 and was discovered deceased in a locked car near his home on July 8, 2013. He was the son of Katrina Kingsbury and Michael Woods.

Tributes: 

"The blessing for us is to have known Michael Kingsbury... Michael was in this world, but wasn't of this world. Michael didn't see the things we saw. He didn't react to things the way we reacted. He accepted them off of faith and love. He smiled  (Michael's Uncle Paul Travis, Jr. at Michael's Funeral)."

"We've lost a life, and not only have we lost a life, we lost a young life, a life that had potential, a life that showed the future, and a life that could have made our city better (James Banks of DC Council Member David Grosso's Office)."

Links about Michael Kingsbury: 

Obituary: Legacy.com Obituary for Michael Kingsbury

Blogs:

• Michael Kingsbury's Death Illustrates The Challenges of Raising an Autistic Child (HillRag.com)

• Michael Kingsbury (Sarah's Voice) 

News:

• Missing Autistic Boy Found Dead Yard from N.E. D.C. Home

• Tragic End to Search for Missing 7 Year Old With Autism

• Michael Kingsbury, Missing 7 Year Old With Autism, Found Dead Near D.C. Home

• Michael Kingsbury Funeral, Friday at Bathesda Baptist Church 

• Funeral for Missing Boy Found Dead in NE

• What Happened to Michael Kingsbury? 

Daven Williams

Daven Williams (1997-2013)

Daven Alexander Williams was 15 years old and had autism. On June 14, 2013, Daven Williams was reported missing from the Pine Grove, Inc., residential school for students with development disabilities in Elgin, South Carolina, where he was a student. Later in the day his body was found in a swimming pool about a quarter of a mile from the school. Daven is the son of Lawanda and Brian Robinson and Dana Tillman.

Tributes: 

"Daven was a playful, happy child that greeted everyone with a big hug and a kiss. He loved to eat, ride around in the car and listen to his music (From Obituary).

Links about Daven Williams: 

Obituary: In Memory of Daven Williams

Blog: Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering Elopment

News: 

• WLTX Video of News Story on Daven Williams Tragedy 

• Kershaw County Missing Child Found Dead  

• Missing Autistic Kershaw County Teen Found Dead in Pool

Donivan Martin

Donivan Martin (1996-2013)

Donivan Russell Martin was 16 years old and had autism. He is from LasVegas, Nevada.  On June 8, 2013, he managed to find the key to get into the locked family pool and was found face down in the water. He was taken off life support and died on June 12, 2013.

Links about Donivan Martin: 

Obituary: Dignity Memorial

Blogs: Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering

News: 

• Family Prepares to Say Goodbye to Special Needs Drowning Victim   

• Teen With Special Needs Drowns in Family Pool  

• LasVegas Teenager Dies 5 Days After Being Found in Pool  

Alex Spourdalakis

Alex Spourdalakis, 14 Years

Alex Spourdalakis of River Grove, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) was 14 years old and had autism. Police discovered Alex stabbed to death in his home on June 9, 2013. His mother and caregiver were charged with the crime. 

 Tributes: 

"You are free now to exist without pain, we won't let your life be forgotten (Memorial Video)." 

"Alex may you rest in peace sweet boy. We will never forget you. We will continue to fight in your memory for all the children. You will always be in our hearts (In Loving Memory of Alex Spourdalakis Facebook Page)." 

CNN IReport-Alex Spourdalakis May You Rest in Peace

Links about Alex Spourdalakis: 

Memorial Facebook Pages:

• In Loving Memory of Alex Spourdalakis 

• Keep Alex Spourdalakis Alive in Your Memory

• Help Support Alex Spourdalakis

Blogs:

• Mourning Alex Spourdalakis (Wyckoff Patch)

• This is Not the Way: Reflecting on the Death of Alex Spourdalakis (Muslimah Next Door)

News:

• Candlelight Vigil Held for Autistic Teen  

• Autism Speaks Responds to Alex Spourdalakis Tragedy 

• Alex Spourdalakis Mom, Godmother take 5th in Court 

• Alex Spourdalakis Killed: Autistic Teen's Mother, Godmother Charged in Boy's Stabbing Death 

• Film Provides Glimpse into Life of Autistic Teen Killed by Mother 

Christopher Morrison

Christopher Morrison, Jr. (2008-2013)

Christopher Morrison, Jr. (aka JR) was five years old and had autism. He lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On May 31, 2013, Christopher got out of a locked door at his home and wandered off to nearby Indian Creek, where he fell in and drowned. Christopher is the son of Chris Morrison and Samantha Faulk.

Tributes: 

"JR was the best son that anyone could have ever had. He was always a giant ball of energy who was loved by everyone, hated by no one and who terrorized everyone. A person couldn't stay mad at him because that smile and grin got you every time. JR lived life to the fullest and didn't look back (Source)."

Links about Christopher Morrison: 

Obituary: The Gazette Obituary

Blogs: 

• Joe Blair's Blog  

• Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering Elopment

News: 

• Name Released in Child Drowning 

• Iowa 5 year-old Drowns in Creek 

Freddie Williams

Freddie Williams (1999-2013)

Fred "Freddie" Williams of Webb City, Missouri was 14 years old and had autism. He went missing and was found drowned in a pond on May 30, 2013. Freddie is the son of Tommy J. Williams and Jeniffer Stephens Williams.

Tributes: 

Freddie loved to fish, go boating, play with Hot Wheels and monster trucks and loved to watch wrestling on TV where John Cena was his favorite wrestler. He loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by all that knew him (From Obituary).

Links about Freddie Williams: 

Obituary: Joplin Globe Obituary

Blogs: 

• Age of Autism 

• Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering 

News: 

• Body of Missing Child Recovered From Small Body of Water Near Webb City High School 

• Candlelight Service Scheduled Sunday for Webb City Boy

Genesis Eppert

Genesis Eppert, 9 Years

Genesis Eppert was nine years old and had autism. She lived in Cumberland, Indiana near Indianapolis. Genesis died on May 20, 2013, along with her brother Forrest Eppert who also had autism, when her family's condo caught on fire. Genesis is the daughter of Stephanie Eppert and Darrell Hughes.

Links about Genesis Eppert: 

News: 

• 2 of Women's 3 Autistic Children Die in Ind. Condo Fire  

• 2 Children Killed, 4 Hospitalized in Cumberland Fire 

• Burns, Smoke Inhalation Killed Two Children in Cumberland Fire

Forrest Eppert

Forrest Eppert, 8 Years

Forrest Eppert was eight years old and had autism. He lived in Cumberland, Indiana near Indianapolis. Forrest died on May 20, 2013, along with his sister Genesis Eppert who also had autism, when his family's condo caught on fire. Forrest is the son of Stephanie Eppert and Darrell Hughes.

Links about Forrest Eppert: 

News: 

• 2 of Women's 3 Autistic Children Die in Ind. Condo Fire  

• 2 Children Killed, 4 Hospitalized in Cumberland Fire 

• Burns, Smoke Inhalation Killed Two Children in Cumberland Fire

Drew Howell

Drew Howell, 2 Years

Andrew "Drew" Howell of Akron, Ohio was two years old and had autism. He passed away on May 18, 2013. He was on vacation in southern Ohio and wandered away from his family and was found in the nearby Muskingum River. He was the son of Andrew and Kelly Howell.

Tributes: Was Always Happy and Had a Contagious Smile

"Drew was always happy and had a contagious smile. He loved to snuggle especially with his Mommy and Daddy. He was rarely upset unless he was hungry (From Obituary)." 

Betsy Tausch said, "What a sweet and happy boy. My heartfelt sympathies are with you as are my prayers. He truly was a joyful child (One of 80 entries in Drew's Guest Book at Legacy.com)."

Links about Drew Howell: 

Obituary: Legacy.com Obituary 

Memorial Funds: Drew Howell Fund at Give Forward 

Blogs: Lives Lost to Autism Blog 

Special Condolences: Autism Speaks 

News:

• Akron Toddler Drowns in River in Southern Ohio

• Toddler Drowns During Family Getaway

Owen Black

Owen Black, 8 Years

Owen Elliott Black of New Orleans, Louisiana had autism and passed away at the age of 8. Owen wandered off on May 17, 2013, while his family was vacationing in Perdido Key, Florida. A beach visitor found his body on the Gulf side of Perdido Key on May 19, 2013.  He was the son of Dr. Brandon Sanders Black and Julia Carol Jurisich.

Tributes: Was a Happy Child Who Loved to Spend Time With His Family

"Owen was a happy child who loved to spend time with his family riding his bike at the park and playing at the beach. Owen will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He held a special place in the hearts of all his friends (From Owen's Obituary)." 

Sheriff Morgan stated, "We ask for the community and nation's prayers for this family in mourning and our thanks are again extended to all law enforcement, military, state and federal agencies as well as the hundreds of volunteers who responded to Owen's call (Source).

Links about Owen Black:

Obituary: Legacy.com Obituary 

Blogs: Lives Lost to Autism Blog 

Special Condolences: Autism Speaks 

News:

• Parents of Deceased Autistic Boy Send Sheriff Thank You Note

• Missing Perdido Key Autistic Child Owen Black Found Dead

• Owen Black's Accidental Death Raises Autism Awareness

• Video of Press Conference on Owen Black's Drowning by Sherriff David Morgan of Escambia County Sheriff's Office

Mikaela Lynch

Mikaela Lynch, 9 Years

Mikaela Lynch of Clear Lake, California had autism and passed away at 9 years of age. She went missing on on May 12, 2013, from her back yard, where she was playing on a trampoline and slipped out through a fence gate that was accidently left open for a brief time. Rescue personnel discovered her body in Cache Creek in Clearlake on May 15, 2013.

Tributes: Her Constant Smile and Laughter Were Contagious and Uplifting

"Beautiful. Determined. Fearless. Proud. All words used by Mikaela's loved ones to describe who she was as a human being. Her constant smile and laughter were contagious and uplifting. A girl with meaningful intentions, she let the world know what was really worthwhile. Mikaela freely shared her love with those around her, with huge hugs, kisses, and the more than occasional "plop down in your lap (On Mikaela's Village Memorial Website)." 

The S.F. Gate quoted Mike Dowling, Mikaela's godfather as saying she had an "ever-present smile" and was "Extremely gregarious. Just a great laugh, a fantastic laugh (Source)."

Links about Mikaela Lynch: 

Memorial Website: Mikaela's Village 

Blogs: Lives Lost to Autism Blog 

Special Condolences: Autism Speaks 

News:

• Search for Mikaela Lynch Ends Tragically

• Body of Missing Girl, 9, Found in Cache Creek

• Missing S.F. Autistic Girl Found Dead

• Video of News Story on Recovery of Body

Alyvia Navarro

Alyvia Navarro, 3 Years

Alyvia Navarro was three years old and had autism. She was born in and lived in Warham, Massachusetts. On April 16, 2013, she wandered away from her home and was found unconscious in a nearby pond. She passed away at Boston Children's Hospital on April 17, 2013. Alyvia is the daughter of Raymond and Sasha Navarro-Godbout.

Tributes: 

"Alvya was a sweet little girl and had such a loving impact on my family (Christine Santos)."

"To All of Alyvia's family, friends and every life she touched, She will be greatly missed. An angel on earth and an angel in heaven (Lisa and Sam)." 

Links about Alyvia Navarro: 

Obituary: Wareham Village Funeral Home

Blogs: 

• Autistic Lives Lost to Wandering

News: 

• Autistic Child Found in Wareham Pond  

• Three-year old Found Unconscious in Wareham Pond

Andre Anderson

Andre Anderson, 22 Years

Andre Anderson was 22 years old and had autism. Andre died on April 2, 2013, when the house where he lived in East Oak Lane, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia caught on fire. Gherta Ladoucer attempted to get Andre out during the fire, but he panicked when he heard the fire alarm noise and retreated to his room. Jean and Gherta Ladoucer took Andre into their home 5 years ago and helped provide a place for him to live within their family. Jean Ladoucer said, "When nobody else wanted him [Andre Anderson], we opened up our house to him. It wasn't easy but he was comfortable with us (ABC 6 Action News, Annie McCormick, 4/3/2013)."

Links about Andre Anderson: 

News: 

• Man with Autism Dies in East Oak Lane House Fire 

Joseph Winters

Joseph Winters, 14 Years

Joseph Winters was 14 years old and had autism. He lived in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and died on February 1, 2013. He died mysteriously on his first day at Rose Rock Academy treatment facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a place which provides institutional autism treatment.

Links about Joseph Winters: 

Blogs:

• The Autcast  

• Autism_Memorial  

• Sockitmamma 

News: 

• Teen Boy With Autism Dies at Treatment Facility  

• Video of News Story on Joseph Winters Death

Joshua Maddox

Joshua Maddox, 15 Years

Joshua Maddox of Walsall, West Midlands, England was 15 years old and had autism. Joshua Maddox hanged himself in his room. His suicide was discovered on the morning of January 31, 2013. Michelle Maddox is Joshua's mother and Phillip Downes is his Stepdad.

Tributes: 

"Joshua was a talented artist, a soccer player, and a video-game player (Source)."

"He will leave a huge gap in all our lives and will be sadly missed by all his loving family and friends (Source)." 

Links about Joshua Maddox: 

Memorial Facebook Page: RIP Joshua Maddox 

Obituary:  Central Independent Newspaper Obituary

Blog: 

• Autism Memorial  

• Ron S. Kemp  

News: 

• Schoolboy Joshua Maddox, 15, Killed Himself After Months of Bullying Over His Learning Difficulties

• Teenager Hanged Himself After Being 'Bullied at School Over His Learning Difficulties'