A candlelight vigil was held in remembrance of the little boy who vanished while visiting Castle Island with his grandfather one week ago.
Mohamed Fofana’s body was found the following day on the shore of Spectacle Island, which sits directly across the water from the South Boston park.
The pre-kindergarten student, who had autism and was non-verbal, wandered off while playing near the shoreline.
Family members told Boston 25 News that the boy’s grandfather lost sight of the child when he was on a phone call.
Mohamed’s mother said the support she’s been receiving from the community, including parents of kids with autism, has been overwhelming.
“Thank you so much for everybody,” said Matenjay Fofana.
Staff and parents from Joseph Lee School in Dorchester, where Mohamed attended, were among those who came to show their support at the vigil.
The event was organized by a group of mothers raising kids with autism.
“We organized this because we know what it feels like to be an autism mom,” said organizer Yahaira Lopez. “When we are in public spaces like this, it’s so easy to look one way and your child is bolting down the street.”
The family said they were touched to see the outpouring of love and sympathy from strangers and believe it is helping with the grieving process.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2023 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
