PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Another child with autism has died after wandering from home and ending up in a body of water — marking the third autism related drowning in Port St. Lucie in just seven months.
Police say 5-year-old Zam Tuang slipped out of his home Monday night, opening multiple doors before making his way to a nearby canal near SW Juliet Avenue and SW Hampshire Lane. Officers launched an urgent search using drones, bloodhounds, and patrol teams, eventually pulling the boy from the water and performing CPR. He was pronounced dead at the hospital around 11 p.m.
A Pattern of Recent Tragedies
This tragedy follows two similar incidents:
November 2025: A non-verbal 5-year-old boy was found dead in a lake after an extensive search.
August 2025: A 13-year-old autistic teen drowned in a canal, prompting PSL Police to warn families about increased wandering risks.
Experts like Els for Autism Executive Director Marlene Sotelo says many children on the spectrum are drawn to water and the attraction is powerful.
“They’re drawn to it because of the beauty of the water, the calmness of the water,” Sotelo said. “They don’t understand the dangers associated with being in the water.”
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism under age six.
Time Is the Most Critical Factor
Gene Saunders, Founder and CEO of Project Lifesaver International, emphasized how quickly risk escalates when a child with autism wanders.
“The clock is not working for you. It’s working against you,” Saunders said. “An autistic child — you’ve got about 15 to 30 minutes.”
Project Lifesaver provides radiofrequency transmitters worn on the wrist or ankle. The devices allow trained responders to track the signal directly to the missing child and adult.
“Trained responders tune to that frequency, lock onto that radio signal and track to them locate them and then bring them back home,” the CEO explained.
Community Responsibility and Prevention
Advocates say protecting children who wander requires an all-hands approach, including neighbors and bystanders who may spot a child alone.
“It takes a village and if you see a child out there that should not be walking around by themselves, stop and do something,” Sotelo said. “Grab that child and call 911.”
Resources Available to Families
Project Lifesaver
Families in Port St. Lucie can enroll in the Project Lifesaver program, which provides:
- Wearable radiofrequency tracking bracelets
- Direct integration with first responders
- Faster searchandrescue operations for children prone to wandering
- Local law enforcement can help families begin the enrollment process
Els for Autism Swim Safety Programs
The Els for Autism Foundation offers specialized programs designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum, including:
- Adaptive swim lessons with instructors trained in sensory-friendly techniques
- Water safety education for both children and caregivers
- Programs focused on reducing wandering-related drowning risks
- Families can sign up directly through the organization or through local community centers
Upcoming Autism Safety Resource Event
Port St. Lucie Police are hosting an event to connect families with safety tools, technology, and local support programs.
Date: April 18
Time: 9 a.m.