Two young brothers, aged three and five, have been found dead in a pond near their apartment complex in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States, after reportedly sneaking out of their home while their mother was taking a nap.
The boys, identified as Kashh, 3, and Elijah, 5, were reported missing on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Their bodies were later discovered in a nearby pond, according to the police.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said investigators believe the incident was accidental, adding that there was no indication of foul play.
Young also disclosed that Elijah had autism, noting that some children with autism may be particularly attracted to water, making appropriate water-safety measures especially important.
“This is your greatest nightmare — to lose both of your children in that fashion,” the police chief said.
According to Young, the boys’ mother, who is raising them alone, fed the children at about 5 p.m. on Saturday before lying down for a short nap.
Approximately 15 minutes later, she woke up and discovered that both children and the family dog had left the apartment.
The police chief said the mother had installed a child-safety lock on the door, but the boys apparently managed to figure out how to open it and leave the apartment.
“She does have a child safety lock on the door, so apparently, they figured out how to navigate that child safety lock, and they exited the apartment,” Young said.
Police investigations reportedly revealed that surveillance footage captured the children running around before entering the pond. Moments later, their mother was seen coming outside in an apparent attempt to locate them.
“She was trying to do her due diligence to see if she could locate the children before calling 911,” Young said.
“But by then, based on what we can see now on the surveillance video, they were already submerged in the water.”
Although investigators believe the deaths were accidental, the case has been referred to the State Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether any charges should be filed against the mother.
Meanwhile, neighbours have called for improved safety measures around the pond, including fencing or other protective barriers, to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident has renewed concerns about child safety around unsecured bodies of water, particularly in residential areas where young children live.
