Dive crews on Sunday recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy with autism from the Neuse River in Kinston after the boy walked away from his family at a nearby nature park.
The Kinston Police Department said Jaylen Green, who is non-verbal, walked away from the Neuseway Nature Park, located at 401 W Caswell St., around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday.
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Early Sunday, police said they were using drones and boats to search the Neuse River for the boy.
His body was recovered Sunday afternoon.
Kinston police posted: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Jaylen Green. On behalf of the entire department, I want to express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the search and ask the community to continue offering their support to the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Family members created a GoFundMe to pay for a memorial service for Jaylen, writing, “This was a very unfortunate and tragic incident that could happen to any one in the blink of an eye and we are asking for help to give Jaylen the proper home going service he deserves. Jaylen was a sweet kid who loved his family and had so much love in return. He will be truly missed and our family is heartbroken by this unexpected loss of him.”
Kinston Mayor Don Hardy wrote, “I also want to thank our community leaders, volunteers, and concerned citizens who stepped forward to support the search efforts and lift the family and our city in prayer. Your presence and compassion have made a lasting impact. Though the outcome is heartbreaking, we take comfort in knowing that Jaylen has been brought home. Let us continue to wrap his family in love, stand with one another, and never lose sight of the strength we possess when we come together in service of others.”