ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A 12-year-old boy reported missing was found dead in a pond on Saturday, March 21, according to the Dougherty County Coroner’s Office.

Jacayden McCray’s body was recovered from a pond on Meadowlark Drive around 5 a.m. Saturday. Coroner Michael Fowler said the death is a suspected drowning.

McCray was reported missing Friday evening. Authorities said he was nonverbal and had autism.

>> READ MORE: APD asking for the public’s help locating Jacayden McCray <<

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said one of the best ways the community can help prevent similar tragedies is by increasing awareness and understanding of autism.

“For those organizations who do want to help, learn more about the full spectrum of intellectual disabilities. Learn more about autism,” he said. “Even when we look at people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, let’s learn more about it and provide support that we need where we can.”

Experts recommended that families of children with autism take extra precautions around water, ensure constant supervision and consider specialized swim lessons to help reduce the risk of accidents.

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