Autistic 8-Year-Old Runs From Elementary School – Found Dead by South Carolina Cops
A young boy with autism was found dead in a pond after fleeing his school, despite immediate pursuit by staff and law enforcement. 🌐 #News #SimpsonvilleSC #SouthCarolina #Accident
SIMPSONVILLE, SC – A tragic morning for one community in South Carolina. An 8-year-old boy with autism was found dead Thursday afternoon in a pond near his school after running away from his classroom earlier that morning.
His disappearance triggered an intense search involving school staff and law enforcement. Sadly, that search ended in heartbreak for everyone involved.
Immediate Response to Boy’s Escape
Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, a student at Bell’s Crossing Elementary School in Simpsonville, South Carolina, fled his classroom shortly after 11 a.m. According to Greenville County Schools, multiple staff members “immediately pursued” the boy, along with a school resource officer, while other law enforcement was called to assist.
The boy ran up a hill, past a fence off school property, and into an area of tall grass, the school district said. “At that time, staff lost visibility of the student,” the district reported.
Search Ends in Tragic Discovery
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office quickly began a search for Lionel, noting that he was somewhat nonverbal due to his autism, which added complexity to the situation.
The search continued for several hours before a dive team found Lionel’s body in a pond located about 1,000 feet from the school, near Lenox Lake Drive. The tragic discovery was made shortly after 4 p.m.
Community leaders expressed their profound grief following the loss. “I am heartbroken over the tragic loss of this precious little boy,” said Carolyn Styles, Chair of the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees, in a statement. She extended her deepest condolences to Lionel’s family and the school community.
Superintendent Burke Royster also shared his sorrow, stating, “Words are not sufficient to describe this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with this family and school community.” Royster praised the quick response from law enforcement and emergency personnel but lamented the tragic outcome of the search.
Grief counselors were made available at Bell’s Crossing Elementary School to provide support to students and staff as they cope with the devastating news.
Our thoughts go out to Lionel’s family, the Bell’s Crossing Elementary community, and everyone touched by this tragedy.
As they face unimaginable grief, may they find comfort in the support of their community and the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to bring Lionel home. The loss of such a young life leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him, and his memory will remain in the hearts of those he touched.
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