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