Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho

Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho (1987-2015)

Jonathan (Jonno) Grinstein-Camacho was 28 years old and had autism. He lived in Searport, Maine. He was born on November 10, 1987, in Concord, New Hampshire. He died from an accidental drowning on December 3, 2015, in Belfast, Maine. His mother is Christina Camacho and his father is David Grinstein of Searsport, Maine. In memory of Jonno, his family established a non-profit named Jonno's Place, which will build a center in Belfast, Maine where adults of all abilities can reside.


Tribute to Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho:  "Jonno was a gifted child, extraordinarily intelligent, very sweet, shy with people but loved dogs and loved his vegetables (Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho's Obituary)."

Links about Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho:

Obituary: Jonathan Grinstein-Camacho's Obituary (The Free Press)

News:

• Police Identify Man Found Dead Near Stream in Belfast (Bangor Daily News, December 4, 2015) 
• A Grieving Family Blames Broken MaineCare System for their Son's Death (Bangor Daily News, March 31, 2016)
• In Wake of Autistic Son's Death, Family Strives to Build Community for Those Who Struggle to Belong (Bangor Daily News, December 27, 2016) 

Aiden Rodriguez

Aiden Rodriguez, 6 Years

Aiden Rodriguez was six years old and had autism. He lived in Humble, Texas and had survived heart surgery in 2014. On November 15, 2015, Aiden wandered away from his family and ran out of the Napalitos Dona Maria restaurant in Highland, Texas and into a busy road where he was hit by a pickup truck.

Tribute to Aiden Rodriguez:  "He was just a very beautiful boy with the sweetest heart (Greg Rodriguez, Aden's Father)."

Links about Aiden Rodriguez: 

News:  

• Family mourns autistic son, 6, killed after wandering into street, (Click2Houston.com, Syan Rhodes, Novvember 17, 2015)
• Traffic Accident Claims 5 year-old's Life (Baytownsuncom, November 18, 2015)

Shane Laycock

Shane Laycock (2004-2015)

Shane Laycock was 11 years old and had autism. He lived in Bethalto, Illinois. Shane was born on February 21, 2004. He committed suicide on November 12, 2015, after struggling with his autism and suffering from bullying at school. His organs were donated to help save the lives of five other human lives. His mother is Tammy (Battles) Laycock.

Tribute to Shane Laycock: "Shane was a fighter. He made everyone he met happy. He put a smile on their faces. He was extremely intelligent in science, history and any type of animals and their habitats. He had a huge, loving heart (Tammy Laycock, Shane's Mother)."

Links about Shane Laycock: 

Obituary: Legacy.com Obituary for Shane Laycock

Blog: Autism Memorial Blog

News:  

• 'A Huge, Loving Heart'--Bethalto Boy Struggled with Autism Before Suicide (The Telegraph, Cory Davenport, November 17, 2015)
• Somber Turnout for 'Shane's Walk' (The Telegraph, Scott Cousins, November 21, 2015) 

Jeremy David Mardis

Jeremy Mardis (2009-2015)

Jeremy Mardis was six years old and had autism. He lived in Pineville, Louisiana. Jeremy died on November 3, 2015, in Marksville, Louisiana, when he was hit by shots fired into the car he was riding in. There has been an indictment charging two Louisiana law enforcement officers with second degree murder for his death. He was a first grader at Lafargue Elementary School. His parents were Christopher Few and Kati Mardis.

Tribute to Jeremy Mardis: "He was a very loving little boy and a true gift from God (From Jeremy's Obituary)."

Links about Jeremy Mardis: 

Obituary: Jeremy Mardis Obituary at Moore Funeral Services

News:  

• Two Louisiana Officers Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Boy, 6 (NBC News, Phil Helsel, November 7, 2015)
• Slain Autistic Boy's Family Speaks Out on Marshall's Indictment (CBS News, December 11, 2015) 

Cameron Thomas

Cameron Thomas (2012-2015)

Cameron Thomas was three years old and had autism. He was from Chesapeake, Virginia. On October 27, 2015, Cameron got out of his home through a window while his father was in the shower and wandered away around 6:00pm. He was found drowned in a nearby body of water later that night. His parents are Rachel Allen and Cody Thomas.

Tribute to Cameron Thomas:  "Cameron had the ability to cheer anyone up with his bright smile, a soft touch of his hand, and tight hug around the neck. His loving and warm nature and free spirited style will be sorely missed by everyone (From Cameron Thomas Obituary)."

Links about Cameron Thomas: 

Obituary: Cameron Thomas Obituary at Legacy.com

Memorial Page: Facebook Page - In Remembrance of Cameron Thomas 

News:  

• Missing boy with autism found dead in Virginia marsh (Jake Burns, WTVR, October 28, 2015)
• After son tragically drowns, couple makes generous offer to parents of children with autism (Scott Wise, WTVR, October 29, 2015)
• Chesapeake family grieves after missing 3 year old is found dead (13 News now, November 2, 2015) 
• Police release cause of death for 3 year old boy with autism found dead in Chesapeake neighborhood (WTKR.com, October 27, 2015) 

Stephen Rouse

Stephen Joseph Rouse, 22 Years

Stephen Rouse was 22 years and had the form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. He had lived in Pitt County, North Carolina and had been attending Pitt Community College. In 2012 he graduated from JS Rose High School. Stephen had been a victim of bullying. He was stabbed behind the Walmart in Greenville, North Carolina on October 19, 2015 and died that evening from his injuries. His mother is Portia Rouse and his father is John Bradley.

Tribute to Stephen Rouse:  "He was a very kind, gentle soul who loved people, trying to find the good in everyone. He was a bright young man wih Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, who had high aspirations of becoming an orthopedic doctor. He will be deeply and forever missed (Obituary of Stephen Rouse).

Links about Stephen Rouse: 

Obituary: Stephen Rouse Obituary at Legacy.com

News:  

• NC Mom Says Slain Son was Bullied for Weeks Because of Autism (WNCN News, October 24, 2015)
• Mother Remembers Son After Fatal Stabbing in Greenville (News Channel 12, October 20, 2015) 

Matthew Jankovich

Matthew Jankovich (2002-2015)

Matthew Jankovich was 13 years old and had autism. He lived in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born on June 19, 2002 and died in his sleep on September 21, 2015 from a seizure. In 2014, Matthew was the face of a successful legislative effort to make Nebraska the 36th state to require autism therapy insurance in certain health insurance plans.  His parents are Jared and Colleen Jankovich.

Tribute to Matthew Jankovich:  

Matthew was "a rare glimps into unspoken enthusiasm, love and compassion. ... I am a better person for having met Matthew (Colby Coash, Nebraska State Senator who sponsored the autism insurance bill)."

Links about Matthew Jankovich: 

Obituary: Matthew Jankovich's Obituary at Omaha.com

News:  Champion of coverage for autism therapy dies (Omaha.com, Roger Buddenberg, September 24, 2015)

Hun Joon Lee

Hun Joon "Paul" Lee (1995-2015)

Hun Joon "Paul" Lee was 19 years old and had autism. Paul was a student at the Sierra Vista Adult School in the Whittier Unfied School District and was from Whittier, California. Paul Lee did not arrive at school on the morning of September 11, 2015, and in the late afternoon was found dead in the aisleway of his school bus. He was apparently left on the bus by a school bus driver. A vigil was held for Paul on September 22, 2015 on what would have been his 20th birthday. Paul's parents are Sang Sik Lee and Eun Ha Lee.


Links about Paul Lee: 

News:  

• Vigil held for Whittier Student with Autism found dead on school bus (ABC 7 News, September 23, 2015)
• Heartbroken Mother Speaks Out after Student with Autism Found Dead on School Bus (KTLA.com, September 15, 2015)
• Autistic Student Was Left on Bus for Hours Before He Died (People.com, September 15, 2015)

Kaitlynn King

Kaitlynn King, 7 Years

Kaitlynn Marie King was seven years old and had autism. Kaitlynn was a student at Indian Lakes Elementary School and lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kaitlynn wandered away from her family's home on September 1, 2015, and searchers found her in a neighbor's pool near the 1800 block of Foxton Court in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kaitlynn's parents are Jason and Denise King.

Tribute to Kaitlynn King: 

"She had come a long way. She was very smart. I guess God needed a special angel up there, he got Kaitilyn [Kaitlynn] (Harry Declet, Kaitlynn's Grandfather)."

"She loved everybody she met and enjoyed playing with her ponies and enjoyed watching football (Kaitlynn's Obituary)." 

Links about Kaitlynn King: 

Obituary:  Kaitlynn King Obituary at Legacy.com

News:  

• Virginia Beach Child With Autism Dies After Being Found in Neighbor's Pool (WTKR.com, September 1, 2015)

Tyler Brown

Tyler Brown (2004-2015)

Tyler Jamarr Brown was eleven years old and had autism. Tyler was born on February 17, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan. He lived in Dothan, Alabama. On August 28, 2015, he ran from his home and as he was hit by an automobile while crossing Montgomery Highway near the Walmart in north Dothan, Alabama. Before he was fatally hit, other passing motorists tried unsuccessfully to stop Tyler from running across the highway. Tyler's parents are Krista L. Brown and the late Derreck Walker.


Links about Tyler Brown:

Obituary:

• Tyler Brown Obituary at Dignity Memorial 

News:  

• Boy who suffered from Autism runs from Dothan home but dies before police can locate him (WTVY.com, August 29, 2015)
• Tyler Brown, 11, struck and killed by pickup truck while walking along Montgomery Highway in Dothan, Alabama (Accident Data Center, August 29, 2015) 

Zachary Elshaarawy

Zachary Elshaarawy (2010-2015)

Zachary James Elshaarawy was five years old and had autism.  Zachary was born on February 2, 2010 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Zachary wandered away from his family home in Burleson, Texas and died on August 23, 2015. Zachary was able to enter an unlocked automobile near his home. After police were called to help search for him an officer found Zachary unconscious and the vehicle he was in locked. The temperature outside was 100 degrees on the day Zachary died and inside a closed car it would have been much more extreme. It was estimated that Zachary had been exposed to the extreme hot temperatures of an enclosed vehicle for about an hour. Zachary's mother is Robin Polson and his father is Tarek "Darek" Elshaarawy.

Tribute to Zachry Elshaarawy: 

"He was the most pure at heart, loving child, who always had a smle on his face, and was excited about starting kindergarten soon (Zachary's Obituary)."

Links about Zachary Elshaarawy: 

Obituary: Zachary Eshaarawy's Obituary at Legacy.com

News:  

• 5 Year Old Boy Found in Hot Car in Burleson Dies (Dallas News, August 23, 2015)
• Autisic Boy, 5, Dies after Wandering out of Famly Home and into an Unlocked, Hot Vehicle (Daily Mail, August 24, 2015)
• Boy With Autism Locks Himself in Hot Car and Dies (Parenting.com)
• Child with Autism Dies After Being Found in Hot Car (KCENTV.Com, August 23, 2015) 

Skyleigh Pool

Skyleigh Pool, 8 Years

Skyleigh Pool was eight years old and had autism. Skyleigh was from McCracken County, Kentucky. She was visiting relatives in Ballard County, Kentucky at the 1500 block of Farm County Road near U.S. 60 on July 29, 2015, when she wandered away from her family. The body of Skyleigh Pool was discovered in a nearby pond on July 30, 2015.

Links about Skyleigh Pool: 

News:  

• Girl's Body Found in Ballard Pond (Paducah Sun, Kat Russell)

• Parents Empathizing with Family of Skyleigh Pool (WPSD 6, July 30, 2015) 

• Funeral Services Being Held Today for Skyleigh Pool (WPSD 6, August 3, 2015) 

Sidney Heidrick

Sidney Heidrick, 4 Years

Sidney Heidrick was four years old and had autism. Sidney was from Bay Village, Ohio. He wandered away from his grandparents home in Sheffield Lake, Ohio at about 4:30pm on July 24, 2015. After an extensive search his body was discovered in Lake Erie on July 25, 2015.

Links about Sidney Heidrick: 

Facebook Memorial Page: Facebook Page In Memory of Sidney Heidrick 

News:  

• Update: Body of Missing Boy Pulled from Lake Erie, ABC6, July 25, 2015 

• Police: Body of Missing 4 Year Old Boy Sidney Heidrick Pulled from Lake Erie, NewsNet5, July 26, 2015 

Hamza Elmi

Hamza Elmi, 6 Years

Hamza Elmi was six years old and had autism. Hamza was from St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was a student at Madison Elementary School in St. Cloud. Hazma wandered away from his home and was last seen at about 8:30pm on July 23, 2015. His body was found in the Mississippi River on July 24, 2015.

Links about Hazma Elmi: 

News: 

• Body of Missing St. Cloud 6 Year Old Found Near Mississippi River, Fox9.com, July 24, 2015  

• Community Support After Body of Missing Boy Found, Kare11, July 25, 2015 

• UPDATE: Search for Boy Called Off After Body Pulled from River, WJON, July 24, 2015 

Omarion Humphrey

Omarion "Mars" Humphrey (2005-2015)

Omarion "Mars" Humphrey was nine years old and had autism. Omarion was born on October 18, 2005 and was from Pontiac, Michigan. On July 4, 2015, Omarion wandered away from a family gathering with his foster family at the Lake Callis Recreation Area in Davison Township in Genessee County, Michigan. Volunteers and law enforcement searched for 6 days for Omarion. His body was discovered in Callis Lake on July 10, 2015. Omarion's parents are Jamell and Khisha Humphrey.

Links about Omarion Humphrey: 

Obituary:  Obituary for Omarion Humphrey 

News: 

• Dad Says Autistic Son Found Dead in Genessee County Lake (Detroit Free Press, July 10, 2015) 

• Body of Missing 9 Year Old Found in Callis Lake (Oakland Press, John Turk, July 10, 2015)  

• Prayer Vigil for Omarion Humphrey Draws Hundreds to Davison Park (Mlive.com, Amanda Emery, July 10, 2015)

Adam Elusma

Adam Elusma, 5 Years

Adam Elusma was five years old and had autism. Adam lived in Fort Pierce, Florida in St. Lucie County. On Friday, June 19, 2015, Adam was playing at the Midway Road Church of Christ playground and wandered away. He was discovered unconscious at the bottom of a nearby swimming pool only .2 of a mile from his home.

Tribute to Adam Elusma: "He just had great joy in everything. He understood not so much but he loved it all (Paul Dawson, Pastor Midway Road Church of Christ)."

Links about Adam Elusma: 

News: 

• Police: 5 Year Old Boy Wanders Away from Playground, Found Unconscious in a Pool (CBS12.com, June 20, 2015)
• 5 Year Old Boy Dies After Being Found at Bottom of Pool (TCPalm.com, Will Greenlee, June 20, 2015)
• 5 Year Old Boy Dies After Being Found at the Bottom of a Swimming Pool near Fort Pierce (WPTV.com, June 20, 2015)

Jayden Humes

Jayden Humes (2008-2015)

Jayden Marquis Humes was six years old and had autism. Jayden Humes lived in Saginaw, Michigan. Jayden was playing at Krossroads Park in Saginaw on June 19, 2015. He went missing and searchers found his body later in the day in one of the park's ponds. Jayden's parents are Kevin and Dewan Humes.

Tribute to Jayden Humes:

"To me, that didn't make a difference, it [autism] was just what his condition was, that's not what he was. He was a very loving little boy. Very energetic like I said. Just very, very smart. Very smart. He was just the sunshine of everybody's day (Dewan Humes, Jayden's Mother)."

Links about Jayden Humes: 

Obituary: Jayden Humes Obituary at Paradise Funeral Chapel

News: 

• Mother of Drowned Boy Remembers His Life (WNEM.com, Nick Lulli, June 21, 2015)

• 6-Year old Jayden Humes 'loved everything and everyone' (Mlive.com, Heather Jordan, June 20, 2015) 

• Young Child Drowns While at a Saginaw County Park Friday Evening (ABC12.com, June 22, 2015)

Kennedy LeRoy

Kennedy LeRoy, 16 Years

Kennedy LeRoy was 16 years old and had autism. He was from Chino Hills, California near Los Angeles. Kennedy committed suicide in his bedroom on June 12, 2015, because he had been enduring years of bullying in his school at Ayala High School. Kennedy left a note behind that said, "Maybe my death will make people realize that words can hurt as much as, if not more than, physical blows (NBC Los Angeles, June 17, 2015)."

Links about Kennedy LeRoy: 

News: 

• Bullied Teen With Asperger's Who Wanted to Help Others Commits Suicide (NBC Los Angeles, June 17, 2015) 

• Tragic End for Teenager with Aspergers Syndrome (Autism Speaks, June 18, 2015) 

• Chino Hills Teen Left Chilling Suicide Note. He Killed Himself to Prevent Suicides (CBS Los Angeles, June 18, 2015) 

Nicholas Richett

Nicholas Richett (1995-2015)

Nicholas Richett was 20 years old and had autism. He lived in Melvindale, Michigan. Nicholas Richett's body was discovered at his home on Friday, June 12, 2015, as the apparent victim of a murder-suicide. It appears Nicholas was killed by his father John Richett, Jr., who was having medical problems. Police Chief Chad Hayse said, "The gentleman took his son's life and then his own life. He feared his medical problems would take his life and then he wouldn't be around to care for his son and he didn't want to burden the family (WOGX.com, June 15, 2015)."

Links about Nicholas Richett: 

Obituary: Nicholas Richett Obituary, Voran Funeral Home

News: 

• Cops: Melvindale Father, Autistic Son Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide (Detroit Free Press, June 15, 2015) 

• Melvindale Father and Son Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide (Ingrid Kelley, WOGX.com, June 15, 2015)  

• Melvindale Murder-Suicide Underlines Strain of Autism Care (Detroit Free Press, June 16, 2015)

Rayyan Siddique

Rayyan Siddique (2008-2015)

Rayyan Siddique was seven years old and had autism. Rayyan lived in Riviera Beach, Florida. On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, Rayyan wandered and drowned in a retention pond near the Indian Trace Apartments near the 6800 block of North Military Trail, where he lived in Riviera Beach, Florida. The pond had murky waters that made visibility difficult and it was very deep in places.

Links about Rayyan Siddique: 

News: 

• 7 Year-Old Dies After Being Pulled from Lake in Riviera Beach (WPTV.com, June 9, 2015)  

• Riviera Beach Police ID Boy Who Drowned in Pond (Sun-Sentinel, June 10, 2015) 

• Riviera Beach Police Officer Shares First-Hand Efforts to Save 7 Year-Old Boy From Drowning (WPTV.com, June 15, 2015)

Kaden Lanphear

Kaden Lanphear (2007-2015)

Kaden Lanphear was eight years old and had autism. He was born on March 18, 2007, and was from Needles, California. On June 6, 2015, Kaden wandered from home and was able to sneak aboard a freight train. He rode the train and got off 40 miles later near Yucca, Arizona. He was hit and killed by another train while walking on the tracks in Yucca, Arizona.

Obituary for Kaden Lanphear: Kaden Lanphear Obituary at Dignity Memorial

Links about Kaden Lanphear: 

News:

• Boy With Autism Found Dead Near Train Tracks After Going Missing from SoCal Home (Associated Press, June 7, 2015) 

• The Loss of Kaden Lanphear (Zach News, June 7, 2015) 

• Missing Autistic Boy Found Dead After Long Search (CBS News, June 8, 2015)

James Charles Eader

James Charles Eader (1998-2015)

James "Jimmy" Charles Eader was 16 years old and had autism. He lived in Weatherford, Texas in Parker County. James Charles Eader went missing and he was found deceased in his family's above ground swimming pool on June 4, 2015. Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said, "The pool had been checked several times [Thursday], but it was above ground and the water was murky, so you could not see the bottom (Teen with Autism Found Dead in Weatherford, WFAA.com, June 4, 2015)."

Tribute to Jimmy Eader: "Jimmy blessed our lives when he entered this world on August 26, 1998. He as born in Jacksonville, Florida, beloved son of James A. and Karen Kerfoot Eader. He was a happy, loving and wonderful child (Obituary of Jimmy Eader)."


Links about James Charles Eader: 

Obituary: James Charles Eader (Weatherford Democrat, June 6, 2015)

News: 

• Missing Parker County Teen Found Dead in Swimming Pool (NBCDFW.Com, June 5, 2015) 

• Special Needs Teen Missing in Parker County Found Dead (CBSDFW.com, June 4, 2015) 

• Teen with Autism Found Dead in Weatherford (WFAA.com, June 4, 2015) 

Kobe Lewis

Kobe Lewis, 5 Years

Kobe Lewis was five years old and had autism. Kobe lived in Palatine, Illinois in Cook County. On June 1, 2015, he wandered from home and was struck by a car while walking alone on Palatine Road just east of Winston Drive. He died from his injuries in a hospital on June 2, 2015.

Links about Kobe Lewis: 

Memorial Fund: Kobe Lewis Memorial Fund (You Caring)

News: 

• 5 year old Palatine Boy Struck by Car Dies (Daily Herald, June 2, 2015)
• 5 year old Autistic Boy Fatally Struck By Car in Palatine (Chicago Sun-Times, June 2, 2015) 
• How You Can Help Family of Palatine Boy Struck, Killed by Car (Daily Herald, June 3, 2015) 

Michael Bolden

Michael Bolden, 5 Years

Michael Bolden was five years old and had autism. Michael Bolden lived in Lake Wales, Florida. On May 31, 2015, Michael wandered away from his family when they were at a Farmer's Market and his body was found later that day in a murky pond in Plant City, Florida.

Links about Michael Bolden: 

Obituary: Obituary for Michael Bolden

News: 

• Dad of autistic boy who drowned: 'It happened so quick' (Tampa Bay Online, June 1, 2015)

• Missing Boy With Autism Found Dead in Plant City Pound (Bay News 9, May 31, 2015)

Jessy Hamilton

Jessy Hamilton, 26 Years

Jessy Hamilton was 26 years old and had autism. Jessy was from Centralia, Washington. He wandered from supervision on May 30, 2015 and later that day was found drowned in the Chehalis River at Fort Borsk Park in Centralia. His mother is Jackie Hamilton.

Links about Jessy Hamilton: 

News: 

• The Last Days of an Autistic Centralian - Part I (The Centralian, Natalie Johnson)

• Mother of Drowned Centralian Says She Struggled for Services - Part II (The Centralian, Natalie Johnson) 

Carter Kelb

Carter Kelb (2011-2015)

Carter Kelb was four years old and had autism. Carter was born on March 3, 2011 and lived in West Chester, Ohio. Carter wandered away from his home on May 17, 2015 and his body was later found in a pond at the Arbors of Yankee Vinyards in Washington County, Ohio. His parents are Ryan Kelb and Priscilla Southers.

Links about Carter Kelb: 

Obituary: Obituary of Carter Kelb

News: 

• 4-year old Boy Pulled from Pond Identified (Dayton Daily News, May 17, 2015) 

• Funeral Services Set for 4-year old Drowning Victim (WDTN.com, May 20, 2015) 

Andrew Carter

Andrew Carter (2006-2015)

Andrew Paul Carter was nine years old and had autism. Andrew was born on January 9, 2006 and lived in Plantersville, Alabama. He was playing on the train tracks near his home on May 12, 2015 and was struck by an incoming train. His parents are Paul Carter and Wendy Mull.

Links about Andrew Carter: 

Obituary: Obituary for Andrew Carter 

News: 

• Nine Year Old Killed by Train in Plantersville Identified (Selma Times Journal, May 14, 2015)

Hunter Hinze

Hunter Hinze (1996-2015)

Hunter Hinze was 18 years old and had autism. Hunter lived in Leander, Texas in Williamson County. He was swimming in his family's pool with his cousin on May 1, 2015, when he had a seizure that resulted in his death by drowning.

Tribute to Hunter Hinze:

"Hunter loved anything dealing with Disney, swimming long hours, golf-carting, riding his horse Atoka, jumping on the trampoline, getting everyone’s attention with his infectious laughter, and getting tickles (William Malm and Erin Cargile, KXAN News, May 4, 2015)."

Links about Hunter Hinze: 

Obituary: Hunter Hinze Obituary (Beck Chapels)

News: 

• Leander Family Celebrating Son's Life after Drowning Death (William Malm and Erin Cargile, KXAN News, May 4, 2015) 

• Autistic Teen Dies After Having Seizure in Pool (KVUE.com, May 4, 2015)

Wallace J. Wojtowicz

Wallace J. Wojtowicz, Jr. (1966-2015)

Wally Wojtowicz was 48 years old and died at his home in Halfmoon, New York on April 6, 2015, after a long illness. He lived with autism and had also been diagnsed with epilepsy at age 10 and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at age 36. Wally Wojtowicz was born in Troy, New York on December 18, 1966. He was an avid reader of history and science books. His writing has been included in many publications, including six books. His parents Wallace and Gayalyn Wojtowicz Sr.helped care for him and they survive him.

Tribute to Wallace J. Wojtowicz, Jr.:  "He was a wonderful advocate for people with disabilities, a deeply spiritual human being and a kind, compassionate friend to all who knew him....His joyful smile, peaceful presence and wise words will be deeply, sorely missed by his family and friends (Wallace Wojtowicz Obituary)."

Links about Wallace J. Wojtowicz, Jr.: 

Obituary: Obituary of Wallace Wojtowicz at Catricala Funeral Home

Brian Gerwitz

Brian Gerwitz, 20 Years

Brian Gerwitz was 20 years old and had autism. He lived in New York. He had been reported missing on February 17, 2015, and volunteers searched for 44 days for him.His body was found in Marine Park Creek near Brooklyn, New York on April 2, 2015.

Tributes to Brian Gerwitz:

"He was so thoughtful, and if you were sad he would sit with you for hours just hugging you and saying I love you (Laura Rivera, Brian's godmother)."

Links about Brian Gerwitz: 

Blog: Tragic Ending to Brian Gerwitz Wandering Case, Autism Speaks

News: 

• Body Found in Marine Park Creek Identified as Missing Autistic Man Brian Gerwitz, Sheepshead Bay News, April 3, 2015 

• Missing Autistic Man's Body Found Near Brooklyn Golf Course, NY Daily News, April 3, 2015 

• Missing Young Man With Autism in Brooklyn Found Dead, 7Online, April 3, 2015 

Timothy Wallace

Timothy Wallace (2005-2015)

Timothy Wallace was 9 years old and had autism. He was born on October 23, 2005, and lived in Dunlap, Tennessee near Chattanooga. Timothy Wallace was struck by a train on the railroad tracks on March 22, 2015, after he had wandered away from his aunt's home in Sale Creek, Tennessee. His parents are Victor Wallace and Lashawn Brown.

Tributes to Timothy Wallace:

"If he saw that you were upset or if he saw a tear rolling down your face, he'd walk over and look at you. He had this weird grin on his face and he'd crack you up the way he looked at you (Destanie Clark, Timothy's Sister)."

Links about Timothy Wallace: 

Obituary: Timothy Wallace's Obituary, Tributes.com

News:  

• Family Mourns Death of 9 Year Old Autistic Boy Hit By Train, Timesfreepress.com, March 24, 2015 

• Sale Creek Community Mourns Death of 9 Year Old Timothy Wallace, WDEF.com, March 23, 2015 

Jaquarious Kendall

Jaquarious Kendall (1996-2015)

Jaquarious Quamonte Kendall was 18 years old and had autism. Jaquarious was born on June 14, 1996 and lived in Albermarle, North Carolina. He was a senior at Albermarle High School and a member of Resurrection Community Church. Jaquarious went missing on January 25, 2015, when he left home in his car to see his girlfriend at 1 a.m. His abandoned car was found and officials searched for him for six weeks. On March 10, 2015 he was found floating in the water near Swift Island Road in Lake Tillay in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jaquarious' parents are Dwayne Kendall and Rhonda Wiggins.

Links about Jaquarious Kendall: 

Obituary:  Obituary of Jaquarious Kendall 

News: 

• Detectives: Body of Missing Albermarle Teen Found (WSOCTV.com, March 10, 2015)
• Mother After Teens's Body Found: 'A Part of Me is Gone' (WSOCTV.com, March 11, 2015) 

Brandon Beukers

Brandon Beukers (1991-2015)

Brandon Paul Beukers was 24 years old and had autism.  Brandon was born on January 31, 1991. He had been living in a group home in Syracuse, Utah. On the evening of February 7, 2015, Brandon wandered away from his group home and entered the private home of a neighbor who thought he was going to rob him. The neighbor put Brandon into a headlock that caused him to pass out. Brandon Beukers was taken to a hospital and died on February 12, 2015. His parents are Steve and Sharon Beukers.

Tributes to Brandon Beukers:

Brandon was very loving. He loved going to school and always looked forward to the bus ride. Throughout school and life he had loving teachers, caregivers, and bus drivers. Brandon had touched many lives, more than we could ever know. He had a very kind heart and was always happy despite the pain (From Brandon Beukers Obituary)

Links about Brandon Beukers: 

Blog:  Autism Memorial 

Obituary:  Lindquist Funeral Home Obituary for Brandon Paul Beukers

News:  Investigation Continues into Death of Autistic Utah Man after Alleged Break-in (Salt Lake Tribune, February 20, 2015)

Aja Dasa

Aja Prema Dasa (1998-2015)

Aja Dasa was 16 years old and had autism. He lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Aja Dasa was stabbed in the abdomen on February 11, 2015, and he died later that day at the hospital. His parents are Jenifer Runnion and Steve Hadachek.

Tribute to Aja Dasa: "Aja was a bright and artistic young man. He enjoyed modeling and made incredible creations with many materials, including tinfoil, clay and especially Lego. He enjoyed painting his models in order to bring his creations, and the imaginative games in which they were used, to life. Aja was particularly kind, genuine, and had a delightful sense of humor and playfulness. Aja was dearly loved and will continue to be deeply missed by his family and friends (Aja Dasa Obituary at Tributes.com)."

Links about Aja Dasa: 

Obituary: Aja Dasa Obituary at Tributes.com

          Blogs: Autism Memorial Blog: Aja Dasa

News: 

• Mother Struggling with Death of Her Son by His Brother (Groupstate.com, May 5, 2015) 

John Linn

John Linn (1993-2015)

John William "J.W." Linn was 21 years old and had autism. He lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John Linn was born on September 3, 1993, and passed away on February 10, 2015, after having several grand mal seizures. John Linn had been a student at the Alpine Autism Center. His parents are Colonel John T. Linn (USAF, Retired) and Michelle Linn.

Tributes to John Linn:

"He loved the outdoors and was a regular hiker at Garden of the Gods Park. He was a sweet soul with a zest for life despite battling autism and epilepsy for many years (Legacy.com Obituary for John Linn)."

Obituary: John Linn Obituary at Legacy.com