Autistic boy’s lifeless body pulled from canal day after going missing

Only one day after celebrating Matthew Glynn’s fifth birthday, loved ones were faced with the daunting task of arranging his funeral.

On August 5, the little autistic boy wandered away from his own birthday party at his Boise Idaho home, and after a frantic search, Glynn’s tiny body was pulled from a nearby canal.

Keep reading to learn more about the tragic ending of Matthew Glynn.

On Monday August 5, Matthew Glynn was celebrating his fifth birthday party with family and friends.

Police report that Matthew, an autistic boy who is nonverbal, was wearing his Batman pyjamas about 5:50 p.m. in his home, near Alamosa and State Street, which borders the Farmer’s Union Canal.

Boise Police Department writes in a release that “a large search effort was launched by Boise Police, Boise Fire, and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue. The search involved drones, K9s, UTVs and covered the canals, river, and other areas.”

Abduction response teams joined the efforts along with officers searching “door to door in the area where he went missing.”

And, members of the online community – reaching as far as England – joined in the search by asking users to share Matthew’s photos and “flood our feeds to help get him home safely.”

Heartbreaking end

Following the massive search, crews found the body of a child in a canal on Tuesday, August 6, Boise police said.

The next day, The Ada County Coroner’s Office identified the body as Matthew Glynn and confirmed his cause of death was accidental drowning.

“We are heartbroken over this development today. The water was initially our biggest concern and a large focus of our efforts. We want to thank our many partners for their response as well as the public for their willingness to help another member of our community in a time of need,” said Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar.

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer adds, “Sadly, this is not the outcome we were all hoping for. Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.”

Though the family name has not yet been revealed, a Meal Train fundraiser identifies the caregivers as the Mertens.

“The Mertens Family is in need of support,” writes Lana Westbrook, the organizer. “Matthew has a younger sister at home, who is also autistic, and prefers “crunchy foods” – and typical kid staples of apple juice and whole milk.”

On the same day Matthew’s body was found, Amanda Mertens, listed as the Meal Train recipient, changed her Facebook profile photo to one that shows her playfully holding Matthew.

Mertens’ Facebook intro says: “Mom to my beautiful babies. I live my life for them and no one else. Don’t like it, see ya!”

Rest in peace little Matthew.

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