In Boise, Idaho, a day of celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when five-year-old Matthew Glynn, a nonverbal autistic child, was found dead in a nearby canal after wandering away from his own birthday party.
Matthew disappeared on Monday evening, August 5, 2024, near Alamosa and State Street. The boy, who was known for his fascination with water, vanished around 6 p.m., wearing his Batman pajamas and without shoes. Despite immediate efforts to locate him, it wasn’t until the following day, August 6, that his body was found submerged in the Farmer’s Union Canal, approximately half a mile from his home.
Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer expressed the collective grief felt by the community, stating, “Sadly, this is not the outcome we were all hoping for. Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.” The canal where Matthew’s body was discovered had been a key focus during the extensive search efforts due to his known attraction to water.
The search operation, which began shortly after Matthew was reported missing, involved a coordinated effort by multiple agencies, including the Boise Police Department, Boise Fire Department, and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue. The teams utilized various resources such as drones, K9 units, and UTVs to scour the area. In a bid to attract Matthew, rescuers even played his favorite nursery rhyme, “Wheels on the Bus,” over loudspeakers.
Despite the exhaustive search efforts, the outcome was tragically not what anyone had hoped for. The Ada County Coroner later confirmed that Matthew’s death was the result of accidental drowning. There were no signs of foul play, and the investigation concluded that the incident was a tragic accident.
This devastating event has highlighted the inherent dangers faced by children with autism, particularly those who are nonverbal and have a tendency to wander, often referred to as elopement behavior. Matthew’s affinity for water, combined with his inability to communicate, made the situation particularly perilous. Experts have noted that autistic children are at a significantly higher risk of drowning due to their attraction to water and their propensity to wander from safe environments.
Matthew’s disappearance prompted an outpouring of support from the Boise community. Residents within an eight-mile radius received a Code Red alert, urging them to be on the lookout for the missing boy. Volunteers joined the search, and the local community rallied around Matthew’s family during the agonizing hours before his body was found.
The Boise Police Department has encouraged residents to sign up for Code Red alerts to stay informed during emergencies. The loss of Matthew Glynn serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children with autism and the critical importance of vigilance and community support.