Five-year-old Jaylen Saintelien, autistic and non-verbal, was discovered Sunday morning after an extensive search.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is conducting a death investigation after the body of 5-year-old Jaylen Saintelien, who went missing Saturday afternoon, was recovered from a pond near his family’s new home.
Jaylen’s family, who had recently moved to a residence on Magnolia Pond Circle, were unpacking when they realized he was missing around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.
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The family quickly searched their home and the immediate area before contacting 911. They informed authorities that Jaylen was autistic and non-verbal.
Upon receiving the call, CCSO launched a comprehensive search operation. Patrol deputies, Aviation, K-9 units, Drones, Mounted Patrol, the Dive Team, and Marine Patrol, along with detectives, joined forces with EMS and the Greater Naples Fire Department. Search efforts continued throughout Saturday evening and into Sunday morning.
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Tragically, deputies located Jaylen’s body in a pond situated near the family’s home on Sunday morning.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences in a statement: “We are heartbroken for Jaylen’s family, and we extend our gratitude to our fellow first responders and the many members of the community who assisted in the search.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jaylen’s death is ongoing.
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