Boy with Autism Left House Despite Three Locks, Then Ran into the Street and Was Fatally Hit by Car

The family of a nine-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after being struck by a car in Virginia has expressed their heartache over his passing. Mathew Vargas, who had autism and ADHD, died on 13th April after he ran into the road near Centreville Road and Leland Road in Manassas.

According to authorities from the Prince William County Police Department, the boy had managed to escape from his home shortly before the accident occurred. His father, Fernando Vargas, recounted how Mathew had successfully bypassed three locks, which included both mechanical and electronic devices, before running into the street.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Fernando does not hold the driver responsible for the accident. Jacinto Morales, a 30-year-old from Centreville, was behind the wheel of a 2012 Honda Civic that struck Mathew. Morales remained at the scene of the incident and, although uninjured, has since been charged with driving without a valid licence, a repeat infraction for him.

In an interview, Fernando Vargas highlighted the challenges faced by families raising children with special needs. He explained, “Some parents don’t understand what we go through. It’s very hard for us raising a special needs kid with autism. You really don’t know what he wants or how he’s feeling… To have him be taken away this way was very hard.”

Wandering, or elopement, is a common behaviour observed in children with autism, where they may leave their caretakers or safe spaces. The National Autism Association indicates that it can be a persistent concern for many young individuals on the spectrum. This aspect of autism can put children at greater risk, which unfortunately proved to be the tragic reality for Mathew.

Tributes have poured in for the young boy from family and friends alike. His loved ones emphasised his “gentle spirit and unique personality,” stating that Mathew “touched everyone who knew him.” According to a GoFundMe campaign initiated to support the family, Mathew was a student at Yorkshire Elementary School, where he left a lasting impression on both teachers and classmates.

The GoFundMe page has received overwhelming support, raising over £23,000 to assist the Vargas family during this difficult time. These funds will likely help with both immediate needs and potential memorial arrangements for Mathew.

As the community grapples with Mathew’s untimely death, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is still ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information relating to the case to contact the Prince William County police at 703-792-6500, or to submit a tip online through the official county website.

The Vargas family’s grief is compounded by the nature of Mathew’s departure, a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by parents of children with autism. As they navigate this painful chapter, they hope their story raises awareness about the vulnerabilities that children on the autism spectrum may face, particularly regarding elopement and road safety.

For now, the Vargas family is coming to terms with their loss, while also advocating for greater understanding and support for families like theirs.