Missing 6-year-old boy found dead in Lake Nabnasset

WESTFORD, MA — A 6-year-old boy reported missing Sunday evening was found dead in Nabnasset Lake a few hours after midnight, according to the Westford Police Department.

Zayan Mayanja, a nonverbal autistic child, escaped through the window of his home on Chestnut Road in the Nabnasset neighborhood at 9:12 p.m., police said.

Westford police officers and K-9 units “immediately began a search for the child in surrounding streets, parks and nearby neighborhoods,” using drones, a boat on Lake Nabnasset and alerting the community, according to police.

The boy's body was found in the water behind a home on Lake Shore Drive South at 12:08 a.m. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR, and Zayan was taken to the hospital, where he is died, police said.

Zayan was a member of the Westford Public Schools family and grief counselors will be made available to any friends or family members who need assistance, according to police.

“The Westford Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Zayan’s family and friends and asks members of the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during this tragic time,” authorities said.

Police urged Westford residents who have a family member on the autism spectrum or other cognitive impairment to contact the Westford Police Department at 978-399-2345 and enroll in the program. recording of cognitive alerts from the department.

“This will greatly assist law enforcement in locating your loved one should they ever go missing,” police said.