Safety concerns raised after Eden Prairie boy with autism drowns

Mohamed Mohamed, an 11-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, drowned on Sunday, Oct. 20, after wandering from his family’s townhouse on Cardiff Lane in Eden Prairie. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety measures around local water hazards, especially for children on the autism spectrum who may be drawn to water.

Mohamed slipped out of the house in the early evening after his mother briefly went upstairs to change the laundry, according to Eden Prairie resident and community advocate Fadumo Hassan. She said Mohamed’s mother shared that her son had a history of wandering. Hassan joined the search after seeing a social media post about the missing boy.

“She gave him a bath, and he was only wearing a diaper. She realized he was gone when she returned with his clothes,” Hassan explained.

Eden Prairie police and rescue teams responded quickly, deploying a drone to search nearby bodies of water. Cardiff Lane is located in Eden Prairie, west of Flying Cloud Drive and south of Prairie Center Drive.

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Hassan described finding the boy’s mother standing near the front pond, a spot Mohamed was known to run toward. “She kept saying she felt her son was in the pond, and I tried to reassure her, saying, ‘Let’s stay positive; maybe he’s just wandered off and someone will find him,’” Hassan recalled. By 9:30 p.m., officers informed the family they had located something in the water. Mohamed’s body was confirmed recovered around 10 p.m.

The incident mirrors a similar tragedy from June, when 4-year-old Waeys Ali Mohamed, another Somali child with autism, drowned in Minnehaha Creek after wandering from his family in Hopkins. Both cases highlight the vulnerabilities faced by children with autism and the need for preventative safety measures in areas with water hazards.

A GoFundMe page established by Mohamed’s aunt shared the family’s heartbreak: “We are heartbroken to share that my nephew has tragically passed away in an accident. … He had been diagnosed with autism and in a moment of wandering, ended up in a nearby lake where he drowned. Our family is devastated by this loss, and we appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

As of Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $17,000 out of a $35,000 goal, supporting funeral expenses and the family’s needs in the wake of this tragedy. Mohamed’s burial took place last week.

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City spokesperson Joyce Lorenz acknowledged the city’s awareness of safety concerns for families with children on the autism spectrum. She said the city collaborates with the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN) to provide education and resources tailored to these families.

“Our public safety and parks and recreation leaders will be working with the Somali community to learn how the city can better assist them and provide information about inclusive swimming programs currently offered at the Community Center,” Lorenz stated Friday, noting that the incident report isn’t available yet.

Mahdi Warsama, CEO of Minneapolis-based SPAN, emphasized the need for broader autism awareness and preventive actions in the community.

SPAN, a nonprofit founded to support Somali parents of children with autism, offers resources and promotes autism awareness. “Within three months, we’ve had two cases of children from the Somali community drowning in lakes. Both were nonverbal and diagnosed with autism,” Warsama said, explaining that many children with autism are drawn to water for its sensory experience but often lack danger awareness.

“Many children with autism seek sensory stimulation, and water is a powerful sensory attraction,” Warsama explained. He stressed that preventive measures, such as barriers and safety devices, are vital in areas with children on the autism spectrum. “For many, it’s difficult to perceive danger. Simple safety measures, like locks, alarms, and water barriers, can make a huge difference.”

SPAN is working to advocate for autism-specific safety training for first responders and legislative support for preventive protocols, including alarms, GPS devices, and other resources for affordable home modifications. “Police training is essential, as not all officers understand autism,” Warsama noted. “For instance, there’s a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for mental health crises, but there’s no equivalent for autism. We need mandated autism training for police to help them respond appropriately.”

Warsama added that SPAN is reaching out to elected officials and city leaders to explore safety interventions, including physical barriers around retention ponds or signage to alert neighbors of children with autism in the vicinity.

Hassan, founder of the nonprofit Twin Cities Parent Connection, emphasized the need for greater safety advocacy for children with autism in the community.

“This isn’t a task one person can handle alone, which is why we need the city and the police involved, especially in this area,” she said.

Reflecting on past close calls, she noted, “This recent tragedy is not isolated – there have been other close calls where nearby people have had to intervene. But many families are often scared to report these incidents because they worry about the repercussions. Families in the community are struggling to support their children and find safe spaces for them.”