Zayan Mayanja, 6-year-old from Westford, found dead – NBC Boston

An autistic six-year-old boy who went missing in Westford, Massachusetts on Sunday night has died after being found in a lake shortly after midnight.

Westford police said they were called to a residence on Chestnut Road shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday for a report of a six-year-old missing. The boy was identified as Zayan Mayanja, a non-verbal autistic child who escaped from his home through a window.

All available Westford police officers immediately began searching surrounding streets, parks and residential areas for the child. Tracking dogs and drone teams were activated, a boat was launched on nearby Nabnasset Lake, the Massachusetts State Air Wing was deployed and a 911 alert was issued to residents.

At about 12:08 a.m. Monday, Zayan was found in the waters of Nabnasset Lake behind a residence on Lake Shore Drive South, according to police. Officers who first found the child and later the Westford Fire Department began life-saving measures, including CPR. He was taken by ambulance to Lowell General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The Westford Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Zayan’s family and friends and asks the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during this tragic time,” Westford Police said in a statement.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Westford Police Department and the Middlesex State Police.

Westford police said Zayan was a student at Westford Public Schools and that grief counselors are available to any friends and family members who need assistance.