In a devastating turn of events, the search for a missing 6-year-old nonverbal autistic child in Gaithersburg has come to a tragic end. More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and volunteers tirelessly scoured Bohrer Park and its surrounding areas in a frantic effort to locate young Fawzan Hassan.

The heartbreaking incident unfolded when Fawzan and his family attended a community event on Saturday afternoon at Montgomery County park. Known for his love of climbing, the 3-foot tall child, who was unable to communicate verbally, headed towards the playground.

To their horror, Fawzan's family realized that he had vanished from the playground. As the hours ticked by, law enforcement, search and rescue teams, volunteers, and family members joined forces to find the young boy. Their collective hope turned to anguish on Sunday when a lifeless child's body was discovered in a nearby pond, later confirmed to be Fawzan's.

Speaking at a press conference, Montgomery County Police spokeswoman Shiera Goff expressed her condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family. We all had been hoping for a different outcome." Lieutenant Kristina Hedgepeth acknowledged the difficulties of watching children, particularly those with special needs, emphasizing the need for constant supervision and vigilance.

Over the course of more than 26 hours, the search involved over 100 police officers, firefighters, and volunteers, supported by the Montgomery County Police Department, Gaithersburg Police Department, Maryland State Police, and Maryland-National Capital Park Police. As the search expanded beyond the park, police officials urged the public to remain vigilant and help in any way possible.

Aware of the tendencies of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, Officer Laurie Reyes, who specializes in working with families of autistic children, highlighted their attraction to bodies of water. Consequently, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service conducted extensive searches of ponds in the area.

Authorities urged residents to thoroughly search their properties, including under porches, decks, and inside unlocked vehicles and sheds. However, it was advised that individuals should not approach the child directly but instead contact emergency services if located.

As the tragic news spread, local authorities disseminated informational flyers and called for the community's assistance. Drones equipped with infrared sensing technology were deployed to aid in the search efforts, even continuing into the night.

In this heartbreaking reminder of the unique challenges faced by families with special needs children, Montgomery police offered advice on approaching nonverbal autistic children. They emphasized the importance of remaining calm, using gentle and reassuring tones, and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.

The loss of young Fawzan Hassan has deeply impacted the Gaithersburg community. As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time of grief and sorrow. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heightened vigilance when caring for children with special needs, and the importance of community support in times of crisis.