Port St. Lucie Police Investigate Death of Missing Autistic Man

Alexander Joseph Solma, 32, was found dead after being reported missing earlier on Friday.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a personal item or piece of evidence from the crime scene, such as a wallet or a set of keys, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh, unforgiving light of the police investigation reveals the tragic details of a missing person case that ended in heartbreak.Port St. Lucie Today

The Port St. Lucie Police Department is investigating the death of a 32-year-old autistic man named Alexander Joseph Solma, who was reported missing on Friday. Solma's body was found later that day in the 600 block of Southwest Belmont Circle, west of Florida's Turnpike. The family had relocated to Port St. Lucie from New York two years ago.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by families with autistic individuals, who may wander or go missing, and the importance of prompt reporting and community awareness when someone goes missing, especially those considered endangered.

The details

Alexander Joseph Solma, a high-functioning 32-year-old autistic man, was last seen at his residence in the 900 block of Southwest Aurelia Avenue on Wednesday around 4 p.m. His body was found on Friday morning in the 600 block of Southwest Belmont Circle, west of Florida's Turnpike. Solma was known to wander and often walked along the C-23 canal banks. The family noted that Solma typically did not stay away from home for more than six to eight hours, and their concerns grew when his cellphone was found at the home and he was gone for an extended period.

  • Solma was last seen on Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m.
  • Solma's body was located on Friday, just before 11 a.m.

The players

Alexander Joseph Solma

A 32-year-old high-functioning autistic man who was reported missing and was later found dead.

Port St. Lucie Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Solma's disappearance and death.

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What they’re saying

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Alexander Solma during this incredibly difficult time. We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death. We also urge community members to remember that there is no waiting period to report a missing person, especially when they are considered endangered.”

— Brittany McNally, PSLPD spokeswoman

What’s next

The Port St. Lucie Police Department is waiting for further confirmation from the medical examiner's office on the cause of Solma's death. They are also urging anyone with information on Solma's whereabouts between Wednesday night and Friday morning to come forward and contact the police.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of prompt reporting and community awareness when vulnerable individuals, such as those with autism, go missing. It also highlights the need for better support and resources for families with autistic loved ones to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.