A 32-year-old man with autism was found dead April 10 in a canal after he was reported missing earlier in the day, according to Port St. Lucie Police.
Alexander Joseph Solma, last seen about 4 p.m. April 8 near his home in the 900 block of Southwest Aurelia Avenue, was found dead in a canal shortly before 11 a.m. April 10, according to police.
Police reported Solma had been diagnosed with autism and was nonverbal to strangers.
Solma was found in the canal behind a home in the 600 block of Southwest Belmont Circle, which is about a 1.4 mile drive from his home, according to Officer Brittany McNally, police spokesperson.
McNally said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but the incident remains under investigation.
Solma left behind his cell phone, which was unusual for him, McNally said. He was living with his mother and brother and did not know how to swim, McNally said.
The Solma family relocated to Port St. Lucie from New York two years ago. They stated Solma had left the home before, but usually not longer than 6 to 8 hours.
“The family indicated they believed the time to report an individual missing was 72 hours as they moved from New York to Florida,” police stated. “They were under the impression Florida has the same reporting standard; however, this is inaccurate as there is zero wait time required in either state.”
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Missing man with autism found dead in Florida
Reporting by Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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