ORLANDO, Fla. – A tragic incident unfolded near Walt Disney World as a young boy was found dead after being reported missing from a nearby resort on Thursday.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the child as 3-year-old Rakim Akbari, who had been staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas in Lake Buena Vista. Authorities said Rakim, who had autism, wandered away from the resort earlier in the morning.
A missing child alert was promptly issued, and an extensive search operation ensued. By Thursday afternoon, deputies discovered Rakim’s body in a body of water on the resort property.
The sheriff’s office expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we must share that our deputies have found Rakim Akbari deceased in a body of water at the resort where he was reported missing this morning. Our detectives are still looking into how this tragedy occurred.”
Details surrounding the circumstances of Rakim’s disappearance remain sparse. He was last seen wearing pajama pants and a shirt, without socks or shoes, which may have contributed to his vulnerability.
The community and law enforcement are mourning the loss, with the sheriff’s office extending their condolences, “We are grieving his loss, and our prayers are with his family.”
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding how such a heartbreaking event could have transpired, and ensuring measures are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.