Autistic Man Dies After Going Overboard During Cruise

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The family of an autistic Johns Creek man is mourning their loss after their loved one apparently jumped from a Carnival Cruise Line ship this week.

Luke Renner, 22, climbed over the deck railing on a ship that left Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, Dec. 15 for a five-day cruise. The company said the family believes Renner "may have been under the mistaken assumption that he was going swimming," it said in a press release.

"Everyone at Carnival is deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with the guest’s family and friends," Carnival said. "Our Care Team is providing assistance and support to his family and traveling companions."

According to the Miami Herald, Renner was traveling with a group of nine special needs adults on the cruise when he was reported missing. The family of Luke Renner released a statement, adding it is "heartbroken at the death of our beloved son, brother, and grandson."

"Luke was a light in our lives, funny, unusual, and, for a child with autism, loving and affectionate," the family said.

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Renner, who loved cruises, also thrived in the Wishes4Me special needs community where he lived, and "we were delighted when they planned this special event," the family added.

"Although we are devastated by his death, we are thankful he was there with people we loved and trusted, when he died," the family said. "We are confident Wishes4Me watched over him with the utmost care, and we do not hold them in any way responsible."

The family said Renner is now in heaven where he can express himself clearly, and won't have to take medications or suffer from any more seizures.

"We truly believe he knows he was well-loved, but we would like to ask him why he hid a favorite
decorative pillow, his sister’s curling iron, and father’s new camera lens," the family said. "We know he will answer with that mischievous smile that warmed our hearts and will remain with us
forever."

A private funeral service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations by clicking here.

Image via Curran Public Relations