James Delorey, age 7 boy with autism died from hypothermia
Heroic efforts of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia communities to rescue lost boy ends tragically
Parents, family and friends are grieving in South Bar, Nova Scotia for 7 year old James Delorey who died from the effects of exposure early today.
James was a seven year old boy who had autism. He wandered off into the woods with his dog on Saturday when the weather was balmy.
He didn’t speak fluently and had the autistic trait of shying away from people who might call out to him.
He didn’t return and efforts to find him started immediately.
The first winter storm of the season blanketed Atlantic Canada and Cape Breton with up to 20 centimeters of snow. The community called for more support and more than 100 people joined in the search and rescue for the young boy. Video follows the story break.
All day Sunday they searched in the freezing cold and snow without finding him. The community and the country watched this story unfold.
The story captured hearts everywhere as we heard the boy had just moved to the community six months ago with his parents. His grandmother lived nearby.
The weather conditions didn’t hold out much hope for the James who was wearing only light clothing with no hat or coat.
Monday morning his dog returned home. Hope sprang into people’s hearts when it he was found on Monday around noon. James had a faint pulse and shallow breathing. His life signs were not good.
An RCMP helicopter flew him out off the bush to the Sydney hospital. A medevac helicopter then flew James to the IWK children’s hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
His situation was described as critical. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, nurses and health care professionals, James slipped away in the night. He didn’t have a chance after 48 hours in bush in the cold and snowy winter of Cape Breton.
Related story – James Delorey boy with autism dies
Video copyright CTV News used under “Fair Dealing” news reporting.
Michele Syms and Susan Syms-MacNeil
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends, to those who searched, and others who held prayer vigils. In Cape Breton we are all family, and so yes, it is exactly like losing one of our own.
Mikala
Terribly Sad. Prayers to the family. God bless James.
John
My sympathy and heart felt condolences of little James goes out to the family.
They need time to grieve.
Now to say it out loud; as parents with an autistic child, when did they realize he was outside wandering in the woods? How long did he walk before they discovered he was missing. It makes no sense.
Trish
I have a daughter aged 6 with Autism she is constantly trying to run away to find friends and adventure. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Delorey family. Your precious treasure is now an Angel in heaven. Sending you love & peace