A Florida mother is mourning the unimaginable loss of her two young sons after the boys slipped out of their apartment while she was sleeping and drowned in a nearby retention pond.
The heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Saturday, October 10, at an apartment complex in Daytona Beach, where 5-year-old Elijah Hawkins and his 3-year-old brother, Kashh Williams, disappeared with the family’s dog.
According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, the boys’ mother had fed them around 5 p.m. before lying down for a short nap.
When she woke approximately 15 minutes later, she discovered that both children and the family dog were missing.
The apartment door had a child safety lock, but investigators believe the brothers somehow figured out how to open it and ventured outside.
Their mother immediately began searching the area, unaware that her children had made their way toward a nearby retention pond.
Surveillance footage recovered during the investigation revealed the heartbreaking sequence of events.
At approximately 5:57 p.m., both boys were seen playing near the water with their dog.
Just five minutes later, at 6:02 p.m., Elijah entered the pond and disappeared beneath the surface.
His younger brother, Kashh, followed approximately one minute later.
By 6:06 p.m., their mother could be seen on surveillance footage desperately searching for the children and calling for the family dog.
She contacted 911 at approximately 6:19 p.m., prompting an extensive search involving police officers, emergency responders and concerned community members.
Tragically, both boys were later discovered dead in the pond.
Investigators said the children had already been underwater for several minutes before authorities were notified.
During a Monday news conference, Chief Young described the incident as an extremely tragic accident and acknowledged the devastating loss suffered by the boys’ mother.
āThis is your greatest nightmare ā to lose both of your children in that fashion,ā Young said.
Police also revealed that Elijah had autism, a condition that can sometimes be associated with wandering behaviors and an increased risk of drowning.
The 5-year-old attended Turie T. Small Elementary School, where his death has left classmates, teachers and families grieving.
News of the brothers’ deaths devastated residents of the apartment complex, with community members gathering to remember the children.
Nearly 200 people reportedly attended a candlelight vigil honoring Elijah and Kashh, while flowers, balloons and stuffed animals were left near the pond.
The tragedy has also sparked concerns about safety around retention ponds at residential developments.
Some neighbors have called for fencing or additional barriers around the water, particularly in areas where families with young children live.
Retention ponds are common throughout Florida and are designed to collect stormwater runoff, but their steep banks and easy accessibility can pose serious risks to children.
Drowning can happen quickly and silently, making physical barriers, secure doors and constant supervision especially important around residential bodies of water.
Chief Young said investigators found no obvious evidence of foul play and believe the boys’ deaths were accidental.
However, the case has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review. Authorities have not announced any criminal charges.
As the investigation continues, friends and neighbors are rallying around a grieving mother who lost both of her children in a matter of minutes.
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