Missing New York boy with autism found dead in swimming pool, cops had searched it ‘several times’ but failed to spot him

On Sunday, June 28, 7-year-old boy Harbe Nagi went missing in Menands in upstate New York.

A search operation was quickly launched by state and local police, with many civilian volunteers also involved. Cops conducted a thorough sweep of his neighborhood, his family offered a $10,000 reward, and ice cream trucks were driven around playing his favorite song ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ in the hope that this would coax him out of hiding.

Fears were particularly heightened as Nagi is said to be nonverbal and autistic, with the search extending to wooded areas near the neighborhood and large bodies of water.

But, in a tragic development, Nagi had been close to his house the entire time, submerged in a neighbor’s swimming pool. Menands Police Lt. Kevin Schwebke told The Times Union newspaper that his officers had searched this pool “several times” already, but hadn’t realized that what they thought was the bottom was actually chemicals used to treat the pool.

Schwebke explained, “It just appeared that what you were seeing was the bottom, but it was deeper than that.” He also revealed that Nagi hadn’t been discovered by his officers, but that the boy’s body naturally rose to the surface of the pool and became visible.

Schwebke said an autopsy indicated that Nagi had been in the pool since the day he went missing and said there was no indication of foul play, adding “We are diligently working to determine the timeline of this tragedy.”

“Your kindness has been a source of great strength for our family.”

Adam Alharbi, the boy’s uncle, wrote: “We are devastated to share that he has been found deceased. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search.” He also said, “The child was trying to escape the house. He has autism. He’s tried to escape the house several times before, but the mom would follow him and get him back into the house.”

He added:

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences we have received during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of great strength for our family.”

Nagi’s funeral is due to be held today, July 2, in Latham, New York.

A missing child is a nightmare no family wants to experience for themselves, but sadly this isn’t uncommon. In Canada, a family had to reportedly contend with the vandalism of missing posters for their 14-year-old daughter, Esther. But, in a happier outcome, a missing two-year-old in Turkey was discovered safe and well, sleeping peacefully on a nearby mountaintop.