5-Year-Old Ajani Samuels, Non‑Verbal Child With Autism, Found Deceased After Going Missing in Monroe County

Monroe County, PA — Local authorities confirmed that 5-year-old Ajani Jermaine Samuels, a non-verbal child diagnosed with autism and epilepsy, was found deceased on Sunday after being reported missing earlier that morning.

According to a statement from Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue, search teams located Ajani with the assistance of multiple K9 units. An updated release from the Pennsylvania State Police said the child was recovered from a body of water at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday following an extensive search.

Ajani was last seen at approximately 9:00 a.m. in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County, after leaving the area of the 100 block of Rose Drive. At the time he was reported missing he was wearing a navy blue long-sleeved polo shirt and gray shorts.

Emergency response and search efforts that day included local fire companies, Lehigh Valley EMS, rescue divers, Monroe County Office of Emergency Management, Pennsylvania State Police K9 teams and aviation resources. Authorities have not released additional details about how Ajani ended up in the water as the investigation continues.

The rescue organization and law enforcement expressed deep condolences to Ajani's family, friends and the community as they mourn this tragic loss.

Ongoing: Pennsylvania State Police and partner agencies continue to coordinate with local authorities. No further updates were immediately available.