Overview
- The boy was reported missing and later found dead in a retention pond near his apartment complex after a search that began Friday morning.
- Hillsborough County deputies said the child was last seen around 5 a.m., a parent discovered a torn back screen and called 911 about 9 a.m., and deputies located the child shortly after 11 a.m.
- The search involved roughly 140 units from the sheriff’s office, including drone, aviation, K-9 and dive teams that led responders to the pond behind the complex.
- Local officials confirmed the death and said the investigation is ongoing while Sheriff Chad Chronister and deputies expressed sorrow and support for the family.
- Media reports say the child had autism and that reporters cited an earlier similar death at the same complex within weeks, but those specific claims are reported with limited sourcing and remain subject to verification; the case focuses attention on retention-pond risks and on-screening, fencing and other physical safeguards at multiunit housing.