Mathew Vargas, 9, left his Manassas home on April 13 after reportedly bypassing three different locks and ran into a roadway, where he was struck by a 2012 Honda Civic and later died at a hospital. The driver, Jacinto Morales, 30, remained at the scene and has been charged with driving without a license. Mathew, who was non-verbal and had autism and ADHD, attended Yorkshire Elementary; the family has stressed the challenges of caring for a child with special needs. Police continue to investigate and seek tips at 703-792-6500.
9-Year-Old With Autism Dies After Bypassing Three Locks and Running Into Road in Manassas
Mathew Vargas, who died after he was hit by a car on the night of April 13Credit: GoFundMe
A 9-year-old boy from Manassas, Virginia, died after leaving his home and running into a roadway on April 13, where he was struck by a car, authorities said.
The Prince William County Police Department reported the collision occurred near Centreville Road and Leland Road when the child, later identified as Mathew Vargas, exited his home and entered traffic. Bystanders immediately attempted CPR; Mathew was transported to a local hospital and later died.
Family members told local media Mathew had been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and was non-verbal. His father, Fernando Vargas, said Mathew somehow bypassed three different locks — one electronic, one push-button and a mechanical gate lock — to leave the house that evening.
"One was electronic, one was a push button, and one other one was a mechanical one that was a gate lock that's very hard to figure out and he did it," Fernando said, adding he does not blame the driver and urging greater understanding of the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Jacinto Morales of Centreville, remained at the scene and was not injured. Authorities have charged Morales with driving without a license — his third offense of that kind — and the crash remains under investigation.
Wandering (Elopement) and Safety
Wandering, often called elopement, is the tendency of some people with autism to leave a caregiver or safe area. The National Autism Association warns it is a common and serious risk for children with autism and can persist or re-emerge at older ages. Families and caregivers are encouraged to review safety measures, supervision strategies and community resources to reduce risk.
Mathew was a student at Yorkshire Elementary School in Manassas. Relatives and teachers remembered him fondly, and a GoFundMe set up to assist the family had raised more than $23,000.
Prince William County police asked anyone with information to call 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip. The department said the investigation is ongoing.
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