Canada - James Delorey, 7, Cape Breton Nova Scotia, 5 Dec 2009

[WhyaDuck?]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/photos/TheCapeBretonPost/stories/James%20Delorey.jpg

Seven-year-old James Delorey still missing

SOUTH BAR, N.S. — A search is underway today for an autistic boy who wandered away from his home in rural Cape Breton without a winter coat, as an early winter storm hit the island.

Seven-year-old James Delorey was apparently following the family’s dog when he walked into the woods near South Bar at around 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Police say the brown-haired boy, who weighs about 60 pounds, was wearing dark jeans, a blue plaid shirt and a grey-coloured vest.

The temperature was cold early Sunday and winds were gusting and wet snow falling as the storm made its way eastwards to Newfoundland.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=308662&sc=145

[WhyaDuck?]

Hundreds of N.S. volunteers search for missing boy

SOUTH BAR, N.S. -- Heavy snow and strong winds were no help in the search for a young autistic boy missing in Nova Scotia on Sunday, but nor were they a deterrent to hundreds of determined residents who were scouring their community for any trace of the seven-year-old.

There had been no sign of James Delorey since he was seen Saturday afternoon with his family's dog outside their home in the community of South Bar in Cape Breton.

Within hours of his disappearance, search-and-rescue officials were knocking on neighbours' doors and asking for permission to search nearby properties in a race against time as the weather took a turn for the worse overnight.

"It's snowing and wet," said Sgt. Ken O'Neill with the Cape Breton Regional Police. "We're hoping if the weather breaks, we'll be able to use the Cormorant (helicopter) again."

The story of a missing autistic boy, who authorities feared was not properly dressed to be outside during the season's first snowstorm, prompted a massive outpouring of support from residents in the community, and a long line of cars belonging to volunteers stretched along the highway Sunday.

"We're all very upset," said James' grandmother, Donna Fraser, when reached at the boy's home, before declining to comment further.

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2309851#ixzz0Yx6EycHu

[Turtles]

http://www.capebretonpost.com/photos/TheCapeBretonPost/stories/James%20Delorey.jpg



http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=308662&sc=145

Please Lord bring this boy home. It is awful cold there and he is more likely to hide than a child without Autism. I am so scared for this little boy.

:praying:

[Idaho4Groenes]

Oh no! Prayers for little James to be found quickly.

[Hazel]

I hope he is found soon. I just read James is mute (or he doesn't talk because of his autism, don't know), so he wont be able to call for help!

http://theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com/2009/12/06/cape-breton-autistic-boy-james-delorey-missing/

here praying

[KaylynnCouture]

Praying for James to come home safe, and soon!

[KivaSupporter]

What a sweet boy! Praying for him and his family.

[lindylou]

We got alot of snow overnight in New Brunswick which is beside Nova Scotia. It is mild today and more is expected I believe. Hope he is found soon !!

[Hazel]

at one point footprints were discovered
Unconfirmed = pet dog may have been spotted in the area

VIDEO = http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/missing-child/#clip243204

VIDEO = http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/missing-child/#clip243168

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091206/missing_boy_091206/20091206?hub=TopStoriesV2

[~greeneyedgirl~]

praying for this little guy and his family...

[elepher50]

Oh dear God - little one I hope you are sheltered somewhere. The winds last night and today were from the north east - nor 'easter as it is commonly called on the east coast. Temperatures are dropping below freezing.

Come on home little guy.

[sc2714]

Oh my goodness, I bet it is freezing up there. Saying a prayer for James to be found safe!

[WhyaDuck?]

According to my folks who live out that way (relatively speaking), yesterday wasn't too bad, but today has been pretty nasty with snow squalls. (However, I find that snow does make the air warmer, so if he can stay out of the wind, it might not be too terrible.)

I hope he found a hidey hole, and I hope he has stuck by the dog - I recall that 2 year old lost out in the Yukon last August, who survived because he stayed with a stray dog. The dog is James' best chance for warmth and protection right now.

I know a few people who have dalmatians who say they don't like kids very much, but I'm praying the dog has bonded with the boy enough to get him through this.

He must be so scared and cold. It's already been too long.

[Texas Mist]

<snip>
2009/12/06 18:56:16

The temperature held steady at 3 C for most of Saturday night but it dipped to 0 C on Sunday morning and then dropped again to -1 C by early Sunday night as wind gusts approached 70 kilometres per hour.

The gusts whipped up the wet, heavy snow, reducing visibility to the point that a Cormorant helicopter couldn't get in the air all day.

"It's making things difficult," Vassallo said. "It's harder to see. People are getting wet and cold ... The time and the weather are big concerns for us."

The helicopter, equipped with night-vision gear, was dispatched from Canadian Forces Base Greenwood late Saturday night.


more here on the search

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/735088--search-in-cape-breton-for-autistic-boy-continues

Prayers for little James, his family & friends, and those who are searching for him.

[WhyaDuck?]

(FYI, 3 C would be about 37 F)

[WhyaDuck?]

Please Lord bring this boy home. It is awful cold there and he is more likely to hide than a child without Autism. I am so scared for this little boy.

:praying:

His hiding will make the search so much harder, but it also increases his chances of survival in the cold... it's kind of a coin toss, but the thought that this child will likely not respond even if the search party was a metre away is terrifying.

Let's hope the dog is around, and can bark for attention.

[WhyaDuck?]

Search for N.S. boy scaled back

The search for missing seven-year-old autistic boy from Cape Breton was scaled back Sunday at nightfall, but police have vowed they will continue to search until the boy is found.

James Delorey has been missing since Saturday about 2 p.m., when he wandered into the woods near South Bar, apparently following the family's dog.

The boy, who doesn't speak, was not dressed for the cold temperatures and heavy snow that hit the area Saturday and continued into Sunday. James, who has brown hair and weighs about 60 pounds, was wearing dark jeans, a blue plaid shirt and a grey vest — no winter coat, no hat, no mittens.

Hundreds of people were out on foot and ATVs again on Sunday, starting at first light. The response of volunteers was so overwhelming, police started asking people to call ahead first because they were running out of places to ask them to look.

Previous air, water and ground searches of the woods and shoreline found no signs of the boy.

Volunteer firefighter Ray Martell said the blustery, winter storm made the search difficult. "There's a lot of snow in the woods, on the trails. Trees and branches are hanging down in front of you, it's not very good for ATVs at all. And if the little fella is under a branch or something somewhere, you'd literally have to walk on him. It's really bad in the woods."

More about the search here:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/06/ns-missing-boy.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Search for missing autistic boy hampered by weather

As darkness fell Sunday, police and scores of searchers braced for a second night of looking for an autistic boy who wandered away from his home in rural Cape Breton as a snowstorm enveloped Atlantic Canada.

The storm kept a rescue helicopter on the ground Sunday as 200 people searched a swampy, densely wooded area and the east side of Sydney harbour for seven-year-old James Delorey.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/search-for-missing-autistic-boy-hampered-by-weather/article1390599/

[WhyaDuck?]

Haven't been able to find a decent map or photos of the area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bar,_Nova_Scotia

[Hazel]

Thank you WhyaDuck? for the links

here is a picture of CHANCE (hope he is keeping company to James, and they are both well and will be found safe and soon)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs080.snc3/14733_189538061246_517931246_3129587_4641298_n.jpg

there are more pictures on the Bring 7 year old James Delorey home safe!! facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=193843306149

[elepher50]

Halifax based team joins in the search:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/07/ns-delorey-monday.html

[elepher50]

The dog that disappeared with James Delorey has returned home, but there's still no sign of the seven-year-old autistic boy

The dog returned home early this morning but not with James.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/07/ns-delorey-monday.html

[KivaSupporter]

A seven-year-old autistic boy who disappeared from his Cape Breton home two days ago has been found and is on his way to the hospital.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/07/ns-delorey-monday.html

[elepher50]

Have no more details than he has been found ... am trying to find out more inoformation and links now.

eleph

[WhyaDuck?]

Missing autistic boy found: report

A seven-year-old autistic boy, who spent three days lost in the woods during a snowstorm near Cape Breton, N.S., has been found.

Search and rescue crews found James Delorey in a densely wooded area around 1 p.m. local time Monday. There has been no word on his condition.

Paramedics were seen boarding a helicopter to take them to where the boy was discovered. It was expected that the boy will be taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, N.S.


More at:
http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2312166

[WhyaDuck?]

Wow! It's likely still very touch and go for his recovery, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[WhyaDuck?]

Police in Cape Breton say they have found a young autistic boy who has been missing in the woods for two days, but it is unclear whether he is alive or dead.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091207/missing_boy_091207/20091207?hub=TopStoriesV2CTV.ca

[elepher50]

n autistic boy who went missing in Cape Breton Saturday morning has been found.

The CBC is reported that James Delory, 7, was found in the woods not far from his parents' home near South Bar, north of Sydney.

The broadcaster also reported that there are rumours that James was found with a faint pulse, but that information is unconfirmed. Paramedics are en route via helicopter to where the James was found.

Desiree Vassallo, a spokeswoman for Cape Breton Regional Police, also confirmed to The Canadian Press that the boy was found today.



http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/missing-autistic-boy-found-report/article1391442/

[WhyaDuck?]

Last night in the Sydney area, it went down to -10C with the windchill, but got warmer after the snow passed around midnight.

[WhyaDuck?]

She would not comment on the boy's condition but said more information would be released at a news conference in Sydney, N.S., later today.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h-cKk4GRSbOjcw2eNqRiuMpsgN2g

[Texas Mist]

just saw a tweet -- he was found with a faint pulse.

Prayers for his full recovery -- it's already a miracle they found him!!

here's another article:

Cape Breton Regional Police said searchers found James Delorey in the woods about 1.3 kilometres from his home in South Bar, near Sydney.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/07/ns-delorey-monday.html

[Texas Mist]

another article:

<snip>

HALIFAX -- Cape Breton Regional Police are reporting that a missing seven-year-old autistic child has been found alive.

Police are saying that James Delorey has been found with a faint pulse and is being rushed to hospital.

Delorey had been missing from his home near South Bar, about 10 kilometres north of Sydney, since Saturday night when he went outside to play with his dog. He was not wearing any mittens, coat or hat.

more here

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/12/07/12068326-qmi.html

[elepher50]

Praying for James - what a sweet boy. Hopefully the cold that he endured actually lowered his body temperature to the point where his heartbeat just simply slowed down.

Suspect that the dog may have stayed with him until this morning. Still trying to find out more information.

[Idaho4Groenes]

Thank God they found him. It sounds like it was just in time! Prayers that he pulls through and is okay!!!

[WhyaDuck?]

Sounds like he might be heading to Halifax for medical attention.

http://www.canadaviews.ca/2009/12/07/missing-nova-scotian-boy-found-alive/

[Turtles]

another article:

<snip>

HALIFAX -- Cape Breton Regional Police are reporting that a missing seven-year-old autistic child has been found alive.

Police are saying that James Delorey has been found with a faint pulse and is being rushed to hospital.

Delorey had been missing from his home near South Bar, about 10 kilometres north of Sydney, since Saturday night when he went outside to play with his dog. He was not wearing any mittens, coat or hat.

more here

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/12/07/12068326-qmi.html

Oh my gosh, happy tears. I am praying he was rescued in time.

[WhyaDuck?]

Autistic boy found after two nights in the N.S. woods suffering from hypothermia

SOUTH BAR, N.S. - An autistic boy who spent two frigid nights lost in a densely wooded area of Cape Breton was suffering from severe hypothermia Monday when he was found by searchers and taken by helicopter to hospital in nearby Sydney, N.S., an emergency health official says.

Paul Maynard, spokesman for Nova Scotia's Emergency Health Services, said seven-year-old James Delorey was in critical condition.

"Our hope is that we'll be able to work on him at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital," he said, adding that health officials would then take him to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, the largest children's hospital in the Maritimes.

Hypothermia results when the body's core temperature drops well below its normal temperature, resulting in the gradual shutdown of the heart and respiratory system. It can be fatal if left untreated.

More at:
http://www.inews880.com/News/National/Article.aspx?id=166314

[Hazel]

:praying:
The helicopter is expected to land at the hospital around 5:10 p.m. local time.

EHS spokesperson Paul Maynard told CTV Atlantic Monday afternoon that Delorey is in very critical condition.
CTV's Todd Battis said emergency services workers have been trying to stabilize the boy, who was found unconscious and with a weak heartbeat, near where he was found so he could be safely transported to hospital.

Delorey was found Monday morning in dense brush about one kilometre from a command post that was set up in South Bar, N.S., north of Sydney.

Desiree Vassallo, a spokesperson for the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, said officials had a difficult time clearing a path to where the helicopter could safely land.

"He was found in a very dense brush that was extremely difficult to get in and out of," she said.

"It's been a very difficult process for search and rescue and medical personnel to get him out of there," Battis told CTV News Channel in a telephone interview on Monday afternoon. "They managed to get him within 400 yards of where the helicopter was able to land."
Authorities had said they hoped to follow the dog's tracks in the snow, as part of an intensive search effort that involved aircraft, police and volunteer searchers. Officials said that it was actually a second search team that was not following the dog's tracks that found the boy.
rsbm
read more here: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091207/missing_boy_091207/20091207?hub=TopStoriesV2CTV.ca

VIDEO UPDATE: Desiree Vassallo, Spokeswoman for Cape Breton Police
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/#clip243574

___

[Lexiintoronto]

We're praying for you, little guy. Hold on.

[JLMcKenna83]

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv326/JLMckenna83/praying/ANIMAT11.gif


Sending prayers your way little man..

[Danaya]

I hope he is okay, but he is not out of the dark yet...

[elepher50]

Come on little man - hold in there -we are all rooting for you. James has been flown to the IWK in Halifax, Nova Scotia where they have the best equipment and he will have the best of care.


Paramedics and search-and-rescue teams managed to move the boy, who is in critical condition, to a waiting EHS LifeFlight helicopter that was able to land about 400 metres away from where Delorey was found.

More than four hours after his discovery, the boy was airlifted to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/07/ns-delorey-monday.html

[Cherry Baby]

Thank heavens...and the prayers continue, for James and his family.

[LoveMyDogs]

I'm so happy to read he was found. Hopefully the dog provided him some comfort and body heat through the night.

[Hazel]

Step by step, the six searchers worked their way through the dense, marshy brush of rural Cape Breton.

The six were only a handful of hundreds of volunteers that spread out to search the snow-covered woods around the boy's home in South Bar, N.S.

Late Monday morning, they spotted tracks.

“[A searcher] picked up on some tracks on the other side, and we went and investigated those,” said Lyse Boyce, who had driven overnight from Halifax to join the search Monday morning.

The tracks were scattered, and appeared to be from a dog. It seemed the animal had been drinking from the river. The tracks were relatively recent, so searchers followed them – straight to James.

“He was in the woods, not too far from the brook, but you couldn't see the brook from where he was,” Ms. Boyce told The Globe and Mail.

“He was lying down, curled up a bit. Looked like his dog had been right near him. … It looked like he'd tried to take some shelter under some branches.”
RSandBBM

read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/massive-search-finds-autistic-boy-after-two-days-lost-in-ns-woods/article1391442/

Thank goodness for those volunteers and professionals who helped in the search and rescue!! and Chance the hero. Get well soon James! :)

[Texas Mist]

I can't help but get emotional when people put themselves out there against the elements to find the lost & missing - being so good to their neighbors (after reading Crimes In The News where people are so evil)....Bless all the searchers who didn't give up on this little boy!!!

Prayers for little James & a complete recovery.

[CarrieBean]

Hopefully we hear some really good news today on this little guy.

N.S. school uplifted by news of boy's survival

A young Cape Breton boy who spent two days in the woods remains in hospital on Tuesday morning, while his community awaits word of his condition.

snipped

"It's fair to say that at this point, they likely have his core body temperature returned to normal. That should give doctors some indication of how strong his heart is," CTV's Atlantic Bureau Chief, Todd Battis, told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday morning.

"We know that he is suffering extreme hypothermia ... so he's not out of trouble yet."
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091208/missing_boy_091208/20091208?hub=CanadaAMV2

[WhyaDuck?]

'Tears of joy' as boy who wandered into woods found

A small, tight-knit community in Cape Breton, N.S., was overcome with relief yesterday after a 7-year-old severely autistic boy was found alive in the dense bush, two days after he wandered away from home with the family dog during a snowstorm.

Melanie Sampson is a neighbour and longtime family friend whose house served as a search party headquarters.

"Everybody's relieved. Everybody's got tears of joy," she said, crying. "It's wonderful to hear this news. It's just wonderful. It's been a Christmas miracle."

More at:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Tears+wandered+into+woods+found/2314974/story.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Well-wishers pray for rescued boy

Dozens of well-wishers gathered Monday in a Sydney park to offer their hopes and prayers for James Delorey, the seven-year-old Cape Breton boy who spent two frigid days lost in the woods.

"We just came out to say a prayer and hope all is well and hope he makes it through this difficult time," said Melissa Macadam. "I can't even describe what his mother and his family must feel."

"When you walk up and you see all the people in the room waiting and donations being brought in from the businesses in town, it was amazing," said Chiasson. "It just gave a feeling that you couldn't believe."

Delorey's relatives have not spoken to reporters, but have asked police to pass along their thanks for the outpouring of support.

more at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/08/ns-delorey-prayers.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Hospital tight-lipped about N.S. boy's condition

HALIFAX, N.S. - Officials at a Halifax children's hospital now say they have no information to release on the condition of an autistic boy found after two nights lost in dense woods near his Cape Breton home.

The IWK Health Centre had expected to provide an update early Tuesay, but says it has yet to receive permission from the boy's family. Seven-year-old James Delorey was in critical condition when he was flown by helicopter to Halifax on Monday.

more at:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/12/08/12077931-cp.html

[Idaho4Groenes]

Tragic news. :( Trying to keep from crying at work right now...


Rescued boy dies

An autistic boy found after two nights lost in dense woods near his Cape Breton home has died, the IWK Health Centre said this morning.

Seven-year-old James Delorey died early this morning with his family at his side, said Jocelyn Vine, vice president of patient services. She said the family requested that the hospital make the statement to the public.


More: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1156663.html

[elepher50]

Am getting news alerts that our little man James passed on early this morning at the IWK.

My heart is crying right now but there has to have been bigger and better plans in the works for James and our maker knows best.

[elepher50]

Tragic news. :( Trying to keep from crying at work right now...


Rescued boy dies

An autistic boy found after two nights lost in dense woods near his Cape Breton home has died, the IWK Health Centre said this morning.

Seven-year-old James Delorey died early this morning with his family at his side, said Jocelyn Vine, vice president of patient services. She said the family requested that the hospital make the statement to the public.


More: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1156663.html


Oh I4G - I am too - have you ever heard of a sobbing heart - that is me right now. Sobbing.

[sc2714]

Oh no :( Poor James, may he rest in peace and do great things from above.

[Texas Mist]

So sad to hear about little James. RIP little man.

:(

[JLMcKenna83]

RIP you beautiful little angel...

[Danaya]

How terribly tragic, rest in peace. I had a feeling this would happen but PRAYED it wouldn't, so sa.

[WhyaDuck?]

Young boy dies after being found in N.S. woods

Hospital officials have confirmed the death of James Delorey -- the seven-year-old Cape Breton boy who spent two days in the cold and whose disappearance triggered a massive search involving aircraft, police and volunteers.

Jocelyn Vine, the vice-president of patient care for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, said Delorey died earlier Tuesday.

"It is with our deepest regret to advise you that James Delorey passed away at the IWK Health Centre early this morning," Vine told a news conference on Tuesday morning.

Vine also read a statement from the Delorey family: "The family would like to thank everyone involved in James's care. It was amazing to see how everyone came together. It really kept my hopes alive. We will have more to say later after we've had some time."

More at:
http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091208/missing_boy_091208/20091208/?hub=OttawaHome

This was news I hoped not to hear. It's heartbreaking.

I hope he was aware of his mom's presence that last day, and knew he wasn't alone any more.

Rest in peace, James.

[Hazel]

I really hoped he was going to make it. I'm so sad to hear this terrible news :`(
Rest in Peace little James

[ohiogirl]

Poor baby, RIP James. At least his family was there.

[puppyraiser]

:( Another child with Autism gone too soon. RIP Little Man

[matou]

I just heard and I'm so upset. My condolences to his family. Poor little James.

[Turtles]

I just don't know what to say, so sad. RIP James, another angel in Heaven.

[WhyaDuck?]

Community, searchers mourn little boy

Paul Vienneau, the search commander for Cape Breton Search and Rescue, said the emotional roller-coaster of the boy's rescue and death took a toll on hundreds of local volunteers.

"The bottom of my heart fell out and I feel for the family," he said.

John Tatlock of the South Bar Volunteer Fire Department called it "a sad ending."

"We will help. Any way the fire services can help the family and that's the end of it. We'll do it," Tatlock said, his voice breaking.

A searcher who was on the team that found James said they heard the news of his death as they returned to their Halifax base from Cape Breton.

"We deal with this and we work hard and we have to know that we did the best job we could," said Blair Doyle.

He said James was lightly covered with snow when he was found and there was an impression on the ground next to him where his pet dog, Chance, had been.

"I think at some point he just got as far as he could, and we all reach a limit, a human limitation and he just laid down," said Doyle.

Sampson said she was thankful that the boy's family was able to be by his bedside when he died.

"I'm just so glad that his family got a chance to be with him and that there's some closure for them."

More at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/08/ns-delorey-remembered.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Dexter offers condolences to Delorey family, praises searchers

Premier Darrel Dexter expressed his sorrow over the death of seven-year-old James Delorey yesterday.

"I want to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time," Dexter said in a release. "The Delorey family is in the hearts and prayers of Nova Scotians from one end of the province to the other."

"Whether it was local police officials, ground search and rescue teams, the local autism society, or community volunteers, once again Nova Scotians showed their true spirit by pulling together to help out during this difficult time,” Dexter said.

http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/391738--dexter-offers-condolences-to-delorey-family-praises-searchers

[WhyaDuck?]

James Delorey: A little boy, a great loss

But James bravely defied the odds on Monday — albeit briefly. When searchers finally stumbled upon him in a heavily wooded area less than a kilometre and a half from his home in South Bar, near Sydney, he was still alive, though barely.

A surge of hope went through his family, his community and even the entire country, which had become captivated by his plight. Sadly, doctors could not save his life in the end, and he died with his family at his bedside on Tuesday morning after being airlifted to hospital in Halifax.

Yet in pondering this tragedy, it is not the odds against James’s survival that stand out the most. It is how much that little boy had going for him.

More at:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1156724.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Autism Society Issues Reminders in Wake of Tragedy

... a reminder in the wake of this week's tragedy in Cape Breton. 7 year old James Delorey, who had autism spectrum disorder, died yesterday morning... The Autism Society here says people with autism do not naturally have the warning signs associated with danger or safety that most of us have, and for that reason parents and families must take extra precautions. They are expressing sympathy and support to the Delorey family.

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=3088&latest=1

[Cubby]

I was so hoping he'd pull through. I'm so glad he was with his family. Prayers to his family and friends.

Rip little guy.

[WhyaDuck?]

Tragic Death in Nova Scotia Underlines Safety Concerns Related to Autism

Tragedies like these happen every day, and they happen to children with or without autism. But children with autism are not only more likely to wander, they're also far less likely to respond to calls - or to think logically about how best to find their way to safety.

James Delorey was only seven when he died. His death was no one's fault. But his tragic loss is an important reminder to parents, teachers and community members that autism makes children especially vulnerable.

If you're the parent or caregiver of a child with autism who tends to bolt or wander, there are some steps you can take to increase your child's safety.

More at:
http://autism.about.com/b/2009/12/10/tragic-death-in-nova-scotia-underlines-safety-concerns-related-to-autism.htm

[WhyaDuck?]

James’s legacy: We’re all neighbours
Near and far, people turn grief to good works to honour boy’s memory

SYDNEY — Soon after James Delorey went missing, hundreds showed up to look for the seven-year-old boy, to bring food for the wet and exhausted searchers and to comfort one another as they waited.

That same compelling feeling, that need to do something, continued to sweep across the province as news of the boy’s rescue and tragic death spread through the media and by word of mouth.

"When I heard about him, I can’t even tell you, I was sobbing as if it was my own family member," Michelle Wilson said of the little boy she never met.

"I can’t ignore this feeling that I’m having. It’s such a strong feeling towards this child that I thought I should do something about it."

More at:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1156850.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Little boy's funeral to be held Monday

SYDNEY — A seven-year-old Cape Breton boy whose tragic ordeal touched the hearts of many Canadians will be buried Monday.

His funeral is Monday at 2 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/9014381.html

R.I.P., sweet baby James.

[WhyaDuck?]

Hundreds turn out for James Delorey's funeral

Hundreds of people — many of them strangers — gathered Monday in Sydney, N.S., for the funeral of a seven-year-old Cape Breton boy who died after wandering away from his home just before a snowstorm.

Mourners began arriving more than an hour before James Delorey's funeral began at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Monday afternoon.

Some people said they had never met James or his family but were touched by his story, saddened by his death and wanted to say goodbye.

"It's very heartbreaking. It's a little boy, seven years old. You know, he took a part of everybody's hearts," said Yvonne Simmons, who went to school with James's mother. "There was a lot of hope for a bit, there was a little Christmas miracle, but God decided to take him home."

more at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/14/ns-delorey-funeral.html

[WhyaDuck?]

'Christmas angel' mourned
Family, friends, searchers, Chance say final farewells to seven-year-old C.B. boy

THE TINY CASKET holding the body of James Delorey moved through the church, covered in spruce branches placed there by some of the men and women who searched for the boy for two days before they found him in the woods clinging to life.

His dog, Chance, standing sentinel over the boy even in death, silently followed his master’s coffin past nearly 400 mourners. Chance stayed by James’s side for two nights in sub-zero temperatures, returning home about two hours before a Halifax ground search and rescue team found the boy Dec. 7. A small imprint next to James told searchers the dog had been lying beside him.

People across Canada prayed for a Christmas miracle while James was lost, the priest at Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier said Monday during the boy’s funeral service.

More at:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1157804.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Autism society wants first responders to be trained to deal with autistic people

Michelle Gardiner, the society’s executive director, said special skills are needed because people that fall under the autism spectrum respond to the environment in a myriad of ways.

“It’s a bigger picture than just helping the (first responders). It’s about learning for all components so that those who are making decisions in a crisis situation have all they need to be able to ask the right questions,” Gardiner told the Cape Breton Post in a telephone interview Wednesday.

She said parents and caregivers have a very important role to play.

“We may have a sheet that we fill out that says ‘These are all the things you need to know about my child.’ We can just hand it to someone so in a time of distress we’re not trying to explain things.”

In the case of James Delorey, search teams had to change tactics. A mother of another autistic boy assisted police in understanding the disorder.

They used key phrases like, “James, let’s go see mummy, we’re going to go for pizza,” to possibly attract his attention.

Gardiner said it’s unfortunate that the issue of autism training has gained traction due to the death of the little boy.

He said people with autism can show varying degrees of hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, which means they have a higher threshold to sensations.

“Being aware of that allows the first responder to not overact when someone is either attracted to or overly sensitive. If they can safely make those adjustments in the field, it’s a darn good thing,” he said from St. Lucie, Fla., Wednesday.

More at:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=311422&sc=145

[Danaya]

Wow, just thinking about that loyal dog and the thought of this little boy's funeral brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for updating us on this.

[WhyaDuck?]

Public’s support has helped family deal with death of child

SOUTH BAR — Love and support can make a difference.

Veronica Fraser says the public’s response has helped her and her family deal with the death of her seven-year-old autistic son James Delorey.

James went missing from his home Dec. 5 and was discovered two days later in brush about 1.3 kilometres away. He was airlifted to the IWK hospital in Halifax, but died of hypothermia several hours later.

“It did help, knowing people cared so much. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing that day and came to search — they thought about someone else — and we are so grateful.”

More at:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=328453&sc=145

[WhyaDuck?]

Money needed to bring autism expert to Cape Breton

The move to better prepare fire, police, search and rescue and other personnel for handling cases involving people with autism stems from the tragic death of James Delorey in December. The seven-year-old wandered away from his South Bar home, prompting a massive search of nearby woods. He was found two days later severely hypothermic and was airlifted to hospital in Halifax where he subsequently died.

“James was a hero, James changed the world, and we’re going to make darn sure that that happens,” Gardiner said. “James probably saved countless lives and it’s because he made us all come out of our silos ... and say, hey, we’ve got to talk to each other.”

“By next fall, if I’ve got anything to do with it, we’re going to be the best prepared and equipped first response community for dealing with people with autism,” Gardiner said. “We did the best we could with where we were, but I think we all realize we have a lot to learn.”

More at:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=328452&sc=145

[WhyaDuck?]

Autistic boy's dog named to hall of fame

The dog that led searchers to a missing autistic boy in Nova Scotia was inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame on Monday.

The disappearance of seven-year-old James Delorey last December gripped the nation.

The boy had wandered away from his family home at South Bar, near Sydney, N.S., along with his mixed-breed dog, Chance.

Delorey had no jacket, and shortly after his disappearance a snowstorm hit the region.

Hundreds of searchers spent two days combing woods near the region but found no trace of the missing boy.

Then Chance emerged from the woods leaving a trail in the snow that led to James Delorey.

The boy was unconscious but alive. There was a deep impression in the snow beside him where Chance had huddled with the boy to keep him warm.

The seven-year-old boy died in hospital the day after his rescue.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/03/con-hero-animals.html

[WhyaDuck?]

Autism awareness making pit stop in Sydney

Published on May 28th, 2010
Sharon Montgomery

SYDNEY — The drive to bring awareness to autism is making a pit stop in Sydney.

Events such as Racing for Autism help increase awareness, which is important, Fraser said.

“Hopefully the government will see the need for funding for therapy to keep people affected by autism safe,” she said, adding people with autism need a protected environment where they don’t feel trapped."

“When someone with autism has a chance to get out, they go, as they don’t know when they will get out again,” Fraser said.

According to a press release, the Racing for Autism team was developed by Halleran and his wife Julie. In June 2009 Halleran, whose daughter Alexis was diagnosed with autism at age two, was given a 2010 Ford Mustang for Father’s Day to follow his dream of racing.

The team promotes awareness by placing individual puzzle pieces on their cars, bearing names of children and adults with autism.

The late James Delorey’s name will be one of several local names to be added at the event Saturday.

[snipped]

More at:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2010-05-28/article-1189628/Autism-awareness-making-pit-stop-in-Sydney/1

[WhyaDuck?]

This case still brings tears to my eyes.