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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Milo Boyd

Heartbroken dad's tribute to missing son, 6, who died after being ‘found naked in pool'

A young boy died after he was found injured in a neighbour's garden just streets away from his home.

Joey Vines was found just over an hour after he was reported missing by his parents in Perth, Australia at about 4pm.

The six-year-old was unresponsive and reportedly naked in the pool of a neighbour in the city's southern suburbs, ABC reported.

He was given emergency medical help by police officers before paramedics arrived and took over.

They then rushed Joey to Fiona Stanley Hospital where he sadly died.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the state coroner, police have said.

Residents in the Perth suburb were urged to search for the boy (Nine News)

Steven Vines, who identified himself on Facebook as Joey’s father, said life would never be the same following his son's death.

"He was a beautiful little autistic boy; he couldn't yell for help because he was non-verbal," Mr Vines said.

"Thanks for everyone helping, we just wish we could've found him quicker.

"Thanks for all the officers, thanks for everyone for trying.

"He was a special, special kid ... he couldn't talk but we know how to communicate with him.

"We're not going to cope. He was a big part of our life."

Joey was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital (Nine News)

Residents of the Perth suburb had been urged to check their gardens and any outbuildings for the boy.

Western Australia (WA) Police Force had issued a description of Joey which noted that he may not respond when spoken to or be wearing any clothing.

WA Premier Mark McGowan offered his condolences to the boy's family.

"Obviously a shocking thing and we were all hoping for the best, but it didn't turn out that way. So can I pass on all our thoughts to little Joey's family," he said.

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