CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP, PA – A desperate search for a missing child ended in heartbreak Sunday afternoon when authorities recovered the body of a 5-year-old boy from a local waterway in Monroe County.
The Search For Ajani Samuels
The victim, identified as Ajani Jermaine Samuels, was last seen around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 10. According to Pennsylvania State Police, the young child wandered away from a residence on the 100 block of Rose Drive in Chestnuthill Township.
Authorities highlighted that Ajani was non-verbal and had been diagnosed with autism and epilepsy, which intensified the urgency of the search operation involving multiple emergency teams.
Recovery And Discovery
Following an extensive multi-agency effort, Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue located Ajani at approximately 4:30 p.m. Specialized K9 units led searchers to a nearby body of water where the child was found unresponsive.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and community members affected by today’s events,” Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue stated in an official release. “This is never the outcome that anyone wants.”
Community Impact And Safety
While the investigation is ongoing to determine exactly how Ajani reached the water, State Police have not indicated any signs of foul play.
The incident has sparked a wave of grief across the Chestnuthill Township community. Safety officials are using this tragedy to remind caregivers that “elopement”—or wandering—is a common and serious safety concern for children with similar conditions.
