Missing Boy with Autism Found Dead in Cloudy Pool, Official Says. Searchers Had Overlooked His Body for Days

A tragic incident involving a seven-year-old boy with autism has unfolded in Menands, New York, where Harbe Nagi was found deceased in a neighbour’s swimming pool two days after he was reported missing. The discovery was made on the morning of June 30, and the circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, as confirmed by the Menands Police Department.

Harbe’s disappearance was first reported to authorities on the afternoon of June 28, when he was last seen in the Park Drive area, just 10 minutes prior to the alarm being raised. A local police statement indicated that Harbe was not a resident of the neighbourhood and had limited familiarity with the surroundings. His autism and non-verbal status raised concerns for his safety, particularly given that his primary language is Arabic, complicating potential communication.

The boy’s uncle, Adam Alharbi, who is also the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, expressed profound grief on social media, thanking all those who participated in the search efforts. Harbe, who had previously visited the area with his mother while they were at a friend’s house, reportedly had a tendency to wander off, a fact not unknown to his family.

Initial reports surrounding the search efforts revealed that the pool in which Harbe was found had been searched several times. However, it was reported that his body went undetected in the murky water until it ultimately surfaced on Tuesday morning. Local authorities later determined that the cause of death was accidental drowning.

Upon receiving news of Harbe’s disappearance, multiple resources were mobilised to conduct a search for the boy. His family offered a $10,000 reward for his safe return, which underscores the urgency and desperation of the situation. Prior to the tragic discovery, various strategies to attract Harbe, such as deploying ice cream trucks known for their melodic tunes, were attempted in hopes of luring him out of hiding.

Police officials acknowledged that the boy had a fondness for outdoor activities and a particular affinity for water, elements that potentially contributed to his wandering. “The child was trying to escape the house,” Alharbi recounted. “He has autism. He’s tried to escape the house several times before, but the mum would follow him and get him back inside.”

In the wake of this distressing incident, the Menands Police Department extended its condolences to Harbe’s family and the wider community, acknowledging the intense emotions that this loss has stirred. “The Menands Police Department extends its condolences to Harbe’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” a spokesperson stated.

Funeral arrangements for the young boy have been made, with services scheduled to take place on July 2 in Latham, New York. Alharbi expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this heartbreaking time, voicing heartfelt thanks for the prayers and expressions of sympathy received.

This incident highlights the critical importance of safety measures and vigilance for children with special needs and raises questions about the accessibility of resources for families navigating similar situations. As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on understanding the tragic circumstances that led to Harbe’s untimely death.