‘I’m losing my mind’: Parents in shock after 3-year-old autistic son drowns in SW Miami-Dade canal
In a devastating turn of events, the parents of a 3-year-old autistic boy shared their heart-wrenching story with Local 10 News after their son tragically drowned in a southwest Miami-Dade canal. Laeticia Elyze, the grieving mother of Kayden Petit-Foer, recounted the horrifying moment when her son wandered out of their home in the early hours of Saturday morning, walked down the street, and fell into the canal. As tears streamed down her face, she shared, “I took my daughter a shower, and when I stepped out of the shower, I realized the door was open, and that’s when I noticed my son got out.”
The family’s desperate search for their beloved child, who they described as autistic, ended in heartbreak. After contacting the police, officers tragically informed Elyze that they had found the unresponsive body of her son in a canal just 150 yards away from their home. It was revealed that Kayden had walked down the street, found an opening in a nearby fence, and fallen into the water. Overwhelmed with grief, Elyze spoke of her devastation, knowing that her son, who couldn’t swim, had met such a tragic fate. She shared, “I was devastated because I know once he goes into the water, he will drown. He does not know how to swim.”
Miami-Dade police swiftly responded to the report of the missing 3-year-old boy, but the rescue efforts were in vain. Despite their valiant attempts to resuscitate Kayden, he was transported to Baptist Health Homestead Hospital in critical condition and was ultimately pronounced dead. The family, shattered by the loss of their “smart and sweet” son, expressed their overwhelming grief and disbelief. Kayden’s father, Jean Willey Petit-Foer, who was struggling to find solace in the wake of the tragedy, said, “I’m losing my mind right now because I don’t know what to do right now.” Fondly recalling their son’s joyful spirit, Elyze shared his love for singing “Wheels on the Bus” and his fascination with cars. The pain of losing such a vibrant and beloved child was immeasurable.
As the investigation continues, authorities are actively working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. It remains unclear whether the toddler’s parents will face any charges, but their grief and anguish are beyond words. ( 📰 US soldier’s transgender wife found dead during his ‘willful’ disappearance, sparking an investigation ) ( 📈 World reacts to Megan Rapinoe transgender news ) ( 📄 Man Pulls .44 Magnum and Shoots Officer in the Chest – Trooper Shrugs Off Direct Hit and Responds with Hellfire ) Sadly, Florida ranks among the states with the highest drowning death rates in the United States, as reported by The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ( 📰 Groom Sees Bride’s Face at the Altar, Files for Divorce on the Spot. But What Unfolds Next Will Leave You Stunned! ) The tragic loss of young lives to drowning serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety awareness and prevention efforts.
In the wake of this heart-rending incident and as a means of honoring the memory of twin boys who also drowned earlier this year in Miami-Dade County, a swimming program has been established. (local10.com) The Prosperity Social Community Development Group Inc. summer camp encourages parents and students to enroll and learn essential swimming skills. This program serves as a reminder of the critical need for water safety education and the prevention of such devastating accidents. For more information on how to participate, please visit the provided page or call 305-681-0701.
We invite our readers to reflect on this heartbreak and share their thoughts on the importance of water safety and preventative measures. How can communities and families work together to ensure the well-being of children near bodies of water? Your insights and experiences contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding water safety and help us strive for a world where such tragedies become a thing of the past. ( 📰 Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly rushed to hospital after passing out, hitting head ) (cdc.gov) (local10.com) Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, as we join together in solidarity to protect and cherish our most vulnerable members.
