Third Missing Kentucky Child with Autism Found Deceased in Water

Nine-year-old Jenny Dim was the latest victim in a disturbing trend since July 2025.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A missing nine-year-old girl diagnosed with autism, Jenny Dim, has been found deceased in a pond near her home in Florence, Kentucky. This marks at least the third such tragic incident of a child with autism going missing and being found dead in a body of water in the state since July 2025.

Why it matters

Children with autism often exhibit a strong fascination and attraction to water that can put them at higher risk of drowning or accidental death if they wander away from home or supervision. This latest incident highlights the need for greater awareness, resources, and safety measures to protect vulnerable children with autism in the community.

The details

Kentucky State Police issued an IAN Alert for Jenny Dim on Friday night after she was last seen around 5:00 p.m. in Florence. Her body was discovered by the Hamilton County (OH) Water Search and Rescue squad in a pond near her residence at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

  • Jenny Dim was last seen on Friday, March 14, 2026 around 5:00 p.m.
  • Jenny Dim's body was found on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Jenny Dim

A 9-year-old girl diagnosed with autism who went missing and was found deceased in a pond near her home in Florence, Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police

The law enforcement agency that issued an IAN Alert for Jenny Dim's disappearance.

Boone County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that reported Jenny Dim's body was found in a pond near her residence.

Hamilton County (OH) Water Search and Rescue

The rescue squad that located Jenny Dim's body in the pond.

Autism Society of Florida

The organization that provided context about the strong attraction to water that individuals with autism often exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Water has a captivating allure that attracts people from all walks of life. However, individuals with autism often exhibit a strong fascination and attraction to water that goes beyond what the rest of us may experience.”

— Autism Society of Florida

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jenny Dim's death, and the Boone County Sheriff's Office has said they will work to provide more resources and safety measures to protect children with autism in the community.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and safety precautions for children with autism, who can be at heightened risk of wandering or accidental drowning due to their strong attraction to water. Improved community outreach, caregiver training, and water safety education are crucial to preventing similar heartbreaking outcomes.