Two Brothers, 3 and 5, Found Dead in Pond After Sneaking Out While Mother Napped

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 allegedly 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 recovered from a pond close to their family’s apartment.

According to the Daytona Beach Police Department, preliminary investigations suggest that the boys’ deaths were accidental, with authorities saying there is currently no indication of foul play.

Police Chief Jakari Young disclosed that Elijah had autism, adding that some children with autism may be particularly attracted to water, making water safety an important concern.

Young described the incident as a devastating tragedy for the family.

“This is your greatest nightmare – to lose both of your children in that fashion,” he said.

According to the police chief, the boys’ mother, who is raising them alone, fed them at about 5 p.m. on Saturday before lying down for a short nap.

However, when she woke up approximately 15 minutes later, she discovered that both children and the family dog had left the apartment.

Young said the apartment door had a child safety lock, but the boys apparently figured out how to open it and get outside.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed the children running around before entering the pond. The footage also showed their mother coming outside moments later in an 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.

He added that, based on the footage reviewed by investigators, the boys had already gone underwater by the time their mother came outside.

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, residents of the apartment complex have called for improved safety measures around the pond, including fencing or other protective barriers, to prevent similar tragedies.