A tragic incident has struck a family in Massachusetts as a 6-year-old girl with autism, Josephine “Josie” Grace Pinto, lost her life after falling into an icy pond near her home. The Norton Police Department received a report of the child missing around 2:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 17. Immediately, Norton Fire personnel initiated a search of Barrowsville Pond and Wading River, which were in close proximity to the girl’s residence. After an hour of searching, divers discovered Josie in the pond on the Barrowsville side of the bridge over Power Street. Despite efforts to save her both at the scene and in transit to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Josie was tragically pronounced dead.
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According to the details shared on a GoFundMe page by Liz Londergan, Josie and her twin sister Rosie were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2021. The parents, John Pinto and Tricia Sweeney, had taken precautions to ensure their daughters’ safety by securing their home. Tragically, Josie managed to slip out the back door and was drawn towards the partially frozen pond near their residence. Described as a lively child with a deep affection for her surroundings, Josie was known for her love of puzzles, climbing, swinging in the backyard, and watching her favorite movie ‘Frozen’. She also had a fondness for apples and Portuguese rolls.
Friends and family remembered Josie as a loving and affectionate child who cherished her time at L. G. Nourse Elementary School in Norton. The unexpected loss of Josie has deeply affected those who knew her, prompting an outpouring of support for the family. A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist Josie’s family has raised over $87,000, with contributions pouring in to honour her memory and help her loved ones during this difficult time. In a touching gesture, Josie’s parents plan to use a portion of the donations in her name to advocate for autism safety and awareness, aiming to prevent similar tragedies for other families coping with the condition.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, the community has rallied around the family, offering comfort and financial support to ease their burden. The funeral service for Josie is scheduled to take place on Friday, Jan. 24, commencing at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home in Milford before proceeding to St. Mary of the Assumption Church and Cemetery. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance when caring for children with special needs, emphasising the need for continued awareness and support within the community.
The heartbreaking story of Josie’s untimely passing has touched the hearts of many, drawing attention to the challenges faced by families raising children with autism. The resilience and courage displayed by her family in the face of this tragedy is a testament to their strength and love. As the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young soul, efforts to honour Josie’s memory and advocate for autism awareness will continue, ensuring that her legacy lives on through the positive impact made in her name. In moments of profound sadness, the unity and compassion shown by those around them provide a source of solace and support for Josie’s grieving family as they navigate this difficult chapter.