Reece Coleman

Reece M. Coleman, 9 Years

Reece M. Coleman was 9 years old and had autism. He died on July 19, 2018, in Branson, Missouri, when his family was sightseeing on a Duck Boat. The boat capsized in a storm while crossing Table Rock Lake. He is from Indianapolis, Indiana. 8 members of his family died in the same accident, including his father Glenn Coleman and two siblings, Evan and Arya. His mother Tia Coleman was on the boat but survived.

Tribute to Reece Coleman: Reece Coleman loved the water and his family took the Ride the Ducks tour because it was something he'd enjoy doing, said his mother, Tia Coleman. She described her son, who had autism, as "the happiest, sweetest boy," who made every day worth living (A look at the 17 people killed in the Missouri boat accident, Chicago Tribune, Hannah Grabenstein and Brian Slodysko July 22, 2018.)

Links about Reece Coleman:

Obituary:

•  Reece Coleman Obituary at Legacy.com 

News 

• AP News, The Latest: Family went on boat for boy who loved the water, July 21, 2018
• Warren Township school mourn loss of student, Reece Coleman, killed in duck boat tragedy, RTV6, Katie Heinz and Katie Cox, July 23, 2018
• A look at the 17 people killed in the Missouri boat accident, Chicago Tribune, Hannah Grabenstein and Brian Slodysko July 22, 2018.

Elijah Mikel

Elijah Mikel (1999-2018)

Elijah Mikel was 18 years old and had autism. He was born on August 15, 1999. He died on July 11, 2018, in Lawrence, Kansas from heat exhaustion. Elijah was walking on a nature trail with his caretaker on a day when the temperature was 102 degrees outside. Elijah Mikel was a graduate of Lawrence High School. His parents are Matthew and Rachel Mikel

Tribute to Elijah Mikel: 

"He found so much joy in the small things. He had such a big smile (Rachel Mikel as quoted by FoxNews.com)."

Links about Elijah Mikel:

Obituary:

•  Elijah Mikel Obituary at LJWorld.com

News 

• Teen with Autism Dies of Heat Exhaustion After Walk on 102-Degree Day (People, Emily Zauzmer, July 19, 2018)
• Lawrence Family Warns of Heat Dangers after Losing Teenage Son (Fox4KC, Kera Mashek, July 18, 2018) 
• Kansas Mom Warns of Hot Temperatures After Teen Son With Autism Dies of Heat Exhaustion (FoxNews.com, Madeline Farber, July 19, 2018). 

Zander Brown

Zander Brown (2012-2018)

Zander Brown was 5 years old and had autism. He was born on October 8, 2012. On July 8, 2018, he wandered away from his home in Lauderdale, Florida in Broward County north of Miami. He was discovered deceased at the bottom of a canal near his home.


Links about Zander Brown:

News:

• Missing 5-year-old with autism dies after found in canal behind his home (Miami Herald, Rebecca Ellis, July 8, 2018)
• Child with Autism Dies After Being Found in Lauderhill Canal (NBC6, July 8, 2018) 
• A 5-year-old autistic child dies who fell to a canal in Florida (SunPost, July 10, 2018)