Mesa, Arizona — A grieving Arizona mother is sharing her family’s heartbreaking story after her 13-year-old son with autism, Josiah Chiago, was found dead in an irrigation canal just hours after he disappeared while visiting his father on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation.
The tragic incident has left family members mourning the loss of a boy remembered for his joyful personality, while also drawing attention to the heightened drowning risks faced by children with autism.
Search Began After Josiah Went Missing Near Canal
According to authorities, Josiah was visiting his father, Marcus Chiago, on July 12 when he went to play near an irrigation canal on the reservation in Mesa.
He was last seen around 8:30 p.m., prompting an immediate search involving the Salt River Police Department, Mesa Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
His mother, Brittany Flynn, rushed to the area after learning her son was missing and turned to social media, asking nearby residents to help search during the nighttime emergency.
Recalling those frightening moments, Flynn said the experience was unlike anything she had ever faced.
“I jumped on live really quickly because I know people in Lehi, I wanted people to go outside, it was pitch black,” Flynn said. “You know, going through that, it was just a nightmare. No mother wants to say check for my son in the water.”
Search Ends in Tragedy
Authorities located Josiah’s body around 10 p.m., less than two hours after he disappeared.
Flynn said the canal appeared to contain only a few inches of water, but the current was strong enough to carry her son approximately two blocks.
When investigators contacted her with an update, she feared the worst.
“In that moment, I was just screaming, because in my heart I knew,” she said.
The devastating loss has deeply affected family members and the surrounding community.
Mother Raises Awareness About Water Safety and Autism
Following her son’s death, Flynn spoke openly about the dangers children with autism can face around bodies of water.
She noted that wandering and water-related incidents are unfortunately well known within the autism community and encouraged parents and caregivers to remain especially vigilant.
“I don’t want to say my son became a statistic, but this is very common in the autism community,” Flynn told Fox 10. “Any accident, anything could happen. Just keep your kids close.”
According to the National Autism Association (NAA), children with autism are significantly more likely to die from drowning than children in the general pediatric population, with accidental drowning accounting for a large percentage of reported deaths involving autistic children.
The organization has long encouraged families to prioritize water safety education, supervision and preventive measures for children who may wander.
Family Remembers Josiah’s Bright Spirit
Despite their overwhelming grief, Flynn said she wants people to remember Josiah for the happiness he brought to everyone around him.
She recalled recently taking him to the circus, where he eagerly wanted to participate in the performance.
“He wanted to get on stage and be in the show; he just loved it,” she said. “Josiah was a very special boy.”
A funeral for Josiah is scheduled to be held on July 23 at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation.
A fundraiser established to help the family describes him as “the happiest, bubbliest boy—always smiling and giggling, bringing light and laughter to everyone around him.” His loved ones say his joyful personality and kind heart will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with Josiah’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. What are your thoughts on raising awareness about water safety for children with autism? Share your comments respectfully below.
