Just one day after celebrating Matthew Glynn’s fifth birthday, his family had to start planning his funeral.
On August 5, Matthew Glynn, a young autistic boy, wandered away from his birthday party at his home in Boise, Idaho. After a desperate search, his body was found in a nearby canal.
Matthew was celebrating his fifth birthday with family and friends when he went missing. Police say he was wearing Batman pajamas and was last seen around 5:50 p.m. at his home, which is close to the Farmer’s Union Canal.
The Boise Police Department said they launched a big search effort with help from Boise Fire and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue. They used drones, search dogs, and all-terrain vehicles to search the canals, river, and nearby areas.
Teams that handle abductions also joined the search, with officers going door-to-door in the area where Matthew went missing.
People from all over, even as far as England, helped by sharing Matthew’s photos online to try and find him and bring him home safely.
Heartbreaking end
After a big search, crews found a child’s body in a canal on Tuesday, August 6, according to Boise police.
The next day, the Ada County Coroner’s Office identified the child as Matthew Glynn and confirmed that he died from accidental drowning.
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said, “We are heartbroken by this news. At first, we were most concerned about the water, which was a big part of our search. We’re grateful to everyone who helped, including our partners and the public, in this time of need.”
Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer added, “This is not the outcome we were hoping for. Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, and we offer our deepest condolences during this very tough time.”
Although the family’s name hasn’t been shared publicly, a Meal Train fundraiser lists the caregivers as the Mertens.
Lana Westbrook, the organizer, writes, “The Mertens Family needs support right now. Matthew had a younger sister at home who is also autistic and likes ‘crunchy foods’ like apple juice and whole milk.”
On the same day Matthew was found, Amanda Mertens, listed as the Meal Train recipient, changed her Facebook profile picture to one where she’s playfully holding Matthew.
Amanda’s Facebook intro says, “Mom to my beautiful babies. I live my life for them and no one else. Don’t like it, see ya!”
Rest in peace, little Matthew.
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