A 5-year-old girl with autism has been found dead after she reportedly ‘wandered out of her family home’ during the height of Tropical Storm Isaias.
Eliza Talal’s body was discovered by police in Fischer’s Park, two miles away from their Pennsylvania home.
The young girl, who was nonverbal and autistic, reportedly wandered out of their home as Storm Isaias caused floods across the east coast.
Her devastated parents reported her missing and hours-long air and ground search of the area was launched.
A volunteer found Eliza’s body among foliage next to a creek in Fischer’s Park after the flood had receded.
Police Chief Tim Dickinson, who became very emotional, said that it was ‘not the result that we were certainly hoping for.’
The search involved ‘hundreds of personnel’ including officers from the Towamencin Township Police Department, neighboring departments, the FBI, and volunteers.
“We have met with the family. Obviously they are very upset, they’ve gone through a terrible loss. But they are very strong people and we are keeping in contact with them to help them through this as best as we can,” Dickinson said.
He added: “I can tell you that these police officers here and first responders and community members searched tirelessly for Eliza. It’s amazing when you see people come together what they can do.”
The police chief said he has not reason to suspect foul play but the young girl’s death will be investigated.
“Our prayers go out to her family, who have suffered a terrible loss,” he said.
In Lehigh Country, a 44-year-old woman passed away when her car was swept away by flood in Upper Saucon Township.
Another woman was also found lifeless in Delaware and police said they believe it was storm-related.
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