ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said a 7-year-old girl with autism who went missing Tuesday afternoon died at a local hospital after being found near water by two first responders.
SJCSO called it a tragic accident and said no foul play is suspected.
After life saving efforts of first responders on scene and at the hospital, Adalyn was tragically pronounced deceased. This was a tragic accident, no foul play is suspected. At this time, we ask that you respect the privacy of Adalyn’s family. https://t.co/PD8Dn4pEwj
— St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (@TeamSJSO) July 30, 2024
The first 911 call came at 12:02 p.m. after the girl, who was non-verbal, could not be found. A command center was set up and deputies and fire rescue responders began searching for her.
“We deployed units out to search and locate the missing person,” Chris Naff, Public Information Officer for SJCFR, said. “She was actually located in the area behind us and transported to the hospital in critical condition.”
Deputies later reported that the child died at the hospital.
In addition to the medical examiner’s office, multiple vehicles from the sheriff’s office were at the scene for hours.