A 9-year-old autistic, non-verbal girl, Jenny Din, was found deceased in a pond near her Florence, Kentucky, home after an approximately 25-hour search. The Hamilton County Underwater Search and Recovery Unit recovered her around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and authorities confirmed her identity and notified next of kin. The Kentucky State Police had issued an IAN alert after she was reported missing; she was last seen on MacIntosh Lane without shoes. An autopsy will determine the cause of death as the Criminal Investigations Division continues its investigation.
9-Year-Old Autistic, Non-Verbal Girl Found Dead in Pond Near Kentucky Home After Daylong Search
Jenny DinCredit: Boone County Sheriff's Office, KY/Facebook
A 9-year-old girl who was reported missing from her Florence, Kentucky, home was found dead in a nearby pond after an extensive, daylong search, authorities said.
Recovery and Investigation
According to a Boone County Sheriff’s Office news release posted to Facebook, the Hamilton County Underwater Search and Recovery Unit located Jenny Din “deceased in a pond near her home” at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. Officials confirmed her identity and notified next of kin.
Jenny Din, 9, was found dead in a pond near her home on March 14Credit: Boone County Sheriff's Office, KY/Facebook
The Kentucky State Police had issued an IAN alert for Din after she was reported missing the previous day. The alert system notifies the public when a child under 18 with autism or another mental condition is believed to be in potential danger.
Last Known Whereabouts and Search Effort
Authorities said Din was last seen walking on MacIntosh Lane in Florence at about 5 p.m. and had left her home without shoes. The search involved the Boone County Water Rescue and Hamilton County Search and Rescue teams, along with volunteers, and spanned roughly 25 hours across nearly four square miles and several bodies of water.
Police tape (stock image)Credit: Getty
“Tragically, this is not the outcome we had hoped for,” the Kentucky State Police said in a statement. “We thank all the first responders, the public, and the media for all their effort during this investigation.”
BCSO Lt. Anthony Theetge described the water conditions during the search as “very dark,” noting that divers often had to rely on feel rather than sight when working in the area.
Next Steps
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine Din’s cause of death as the Criminal Investigations Division continues its inquiry. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information to contact the Boone County non-emergency line.
PEOPLE reached out to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Criminal Investigations Division, and Hamilton County Search for comment. The Boone County Water Rescue referred inquiries to the sheriff’s office.
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