PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Another child with autism has been found dead in a body of water in Port St. Lucie, marking the third drowning reported by CBS12 News involving an autistic child in the city in the last seven months.
Police say the latest case happened Monday night, when officers found 5-year-old Zam Tuang in a nearby retention pond near the intersection of SW Juliet Avenue and SW Hampshire Lane after a search involving drones, bloodhounds, and officers. Officers and fire rescue crews performed CPR for an extended period, but Zam was pronounced dead at the hospital around 11 p.m.
See Also: ‘He was floating’: Missing 5-year-old boy with autism found dead in pond in Port St. Lucie
This tragedy follows two similar incidents:
November 2025: A non-verbal 5-year-old boy was found dead in a lake after an extensive search.
August 2025: A 13-year-old autistic teen drowned in a canal, prompting PSL Police to warn families about increased wandering risks.
These cases highlight a persistent and painful pattern in the community — children on the autism spectrum are at higher risk of wandering, and many are drawn to water due to its sensory appeal.
CBS12 News is speaking with experts about why this keeps happening and what families can do to reduce the risk.
Els for Autism Executive Director Marlene Sotelo is discussing behavioral tendencies, sensory factors, and prevention strategies for families.
Gene Saunders, founder of Project Lifesaver, is sharing tools and technology that can help locate missing children faster — including tracking bracelets now used by several agencies nationwide.