I must admit, I am awaiting for the autopsy results before I pass judgment one way or another.
I don't have an autistic child, but I sure did have a couple of Houdini's- my daughters were quick and fast. I can totally relate to taking your eye off of them for about 15-20 seconds, turn back, AND they're gone. We were lucky to find them when we did. I was one of those frantic mothers when something like this happened- I got other adults attention to help me search, I didn't wait for one second because I knew timing was important, especially around water. Thankfully our children all knew how to swim- I had them in the water since they were babies and they were taught how, but that doesn't mean that currents can't over take them, they're kids. Even adult expert swimmers can drown in strong currents.
Please know, I am not in any way judging anyone for this happening- accidents are God awful, and I sure as heck wouldn't wish that agony and pain on any parent. I just have some questions of my own running through my mind, but it could be because I handle things much differently than others, hence why something may seem major to myself might seem minor to others. Funny thing about hubby and I- we had many family members and friends tell us we worried too much, but it always seemed like our little adventurous darlings were the ones that loved exploring, lol, and believe me, I used to envy our family and friends who's kids could sit still at a park or a beach while their parents had lunch. Not myself and hubby- if one of our kids were done, so were we! My children are also sporty- all three of them, and when they weren't in school, they were outside year round, except for rain- hockey in the winter out back on our lake, sledding on a hill in our back yard, playing in the leaves in the fall, bike riding, hiking, swimming and canoeing in summer months. So, believe me, I do understand children running off quietly, and the worst part of it was that we didn't know which direction to look, so we'd split up and ask other adults and teens to help when they four episodes happen, two for each daughter. Thankfully, our son never did this, that was a small break. Our kids are all 2 years apart, so, that was hard, feeding one child while the other or both the older ones want to go outside.
So, I am going to wait and see what LE and the FBI come up with after the autopsy before I judge anyone. The only thing that's making me nervous here is the park ranger's comments- if it wasn't for that, I'd be believing this was an accident, and it still very well could be. I'd rather hope it being an accident than the alternative, which is way too painful for parents to live with the rest of their lives. Accidents are awful enough, but to know that maybe some monster out there got a hold of your child and did sinister things to your child? Talk about God awful to deal with. God Bless all loving parents that go through such things.
