Missing 6-Year-Old Boy With Autism Found Dead In MA Lake

WESTFORD, MA — A 6-year-old boy who went missing Sunday night was found dead in Nabnasset Lake early Monday morning, according to the Westford Police Department.

Zayan Mayanja, a non-verbal autistic child, climbed through the window of his home along Chestnut Road in the Nabnasset section of town near 9 p.m., police said.

Westford police officers and K-9 units "immediately undertook a search for the child on surrounding streets, nearby parks, and neighborhoods," utilizing drones, a boat on Nabnasset Lake, and alerts to the community, according to police.

Mayanja's body was found in the water behind a home on Lake Shore Drive South. Police attempted to resuscitate the boy, but Mayanja was pronounced dead later at a local hospital, police said.

Mayanja was a Westford Public Schools student, and grief counselors will be made available to any friends or family members who need assistance, according to police.

"The Westford Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Zayan's family and friends and ask that members of the public and media respect the family's privacy during this tragic time," authorities said.

Police urged Westford residents with a family member who is on the autism spectrum or has another cognitive condition to contact the Westford Police Department at (978) 399-2345 and sign up for the department’s cognitive alert registration program.

"This will greatly assist law enforcement in locating your loved one if they were to ever go missing," police said.