West Chester, OH – Coroner Identifies 7-Year-Old Mardasia Forte, Found Dead in Pond at Lakota Lakes

West Chester, OH – Coroner Identifies 7-Year-Old Mardasia Forte, Found Dead in Pond at Lakota Lakes

The West Chester community is grappling with deep sorrow following the tragic death of 7-year-old Mardasia Forte, a young girl with autism who was found unresponsive in a retention pond at the Lakota Lakes apartment complex on Friday, June 13, 2025. The Butler County Coroner’s Office has confirmed her identity and ruled the preliminary cause of death as drowning, with the manner of death listed as accidental.

West Chester police were dispatched to Lakota Lakes around 11:30 a.m., after receiving a frantic 911 call from Mardasia’s mother, who reported her daughter missing. The urgency of the situation was clear, as children with autism spectrum disorder are known to be at elevated risk for wandering—particularly toward water. Just moments after the initial call, a second 911 report came in. This time, it was Mardasia’s older brother, who had found her in the nearby retention pond.

West Chester Police Captain Brent Lovell recounted the sequence of events:

“As officers arrived to the scene, we received another 911 call from the brother who stated he located the missing seven-year-old in the retention pond at Lakota Lakes. Efforts to save the girl’s life proved unsuccessful.”

Emergency responders acted swiftly, performing life-saving measures and transporting Mardasia to a nearby hospital, but tragically, she could not be revived.

A Heartbreaking Loss With Familiar Echoes

The loss of Mardasia Forte has reopened wounds in a community still recovering from a similar tragedy. Just seven months earlier, 6-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., another child with autism, drowned in a pond near his home in West Chester. The circumstances are hauntingly similar and have intensified calls for preventative action and increased safety measures in residential areas, particularly near water bodies.

West Chester Township Administrator Lisa Brown expressed the heartbreak shared by many residents:

“This is an incredible tragedy for our community, so soon after we lost a child in similar circumstances. Our thoughts are with Mardasia’s family and all who are grieving.”

Mardasia’s mother, according to investigators, had taken precautions to protect her daughter, fully aware of the dangers faced by children on the autism spectrum. Captain Lovell acknowledged her efforts:

“What we have learned so far was that proper precautions were taken on behalf of the mother. She was vigilant, but children with autism can move quickly, and these tragic moments happen in an instant.”

Community Push for Change

In response to Joshua’s death in 2024, lawmakers, community leaders, and autism advocacy groups have been actively working on initiatives to prevent further losses. One such proposal includes the development of a specialized alert system, akin to an AMBER Alert, designed specifically for missing children with autism, who may not respond to their names or understand danger in the same way as other children.

There is also a renewed focus on evaluating and improving the safety of public water bodies, particularly in areas frequented by families and young children. Administrator Lisa Brown added:

“We are actively looking at the bodies of water that we can control here in the township. We have several ponds, including those at Beckett Park, and we know residents have expressed concern about water near our new splash pad. We are taking those concerns seriously and are in the planning stages to ensure we have the right safety measures in place—such as fencing, signage, and surveillance—to prevent future tragedies.”

Remembering Mardasia

Mardasia Forte was more than just a headline. She was a vibrant young girl with a curious spirit, a love for discovery, and a family who adored her. Her autism was a part of her identity—not a limitation—and those close to her described her as loving, expressive, and full of joy. The pain of her loss is immeasurable, especially for her mother, siblings, and extended family, who are now facing life without her bright presence.

In her memory, community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and stuffed animals near the pond where she was found. A memorial service is being organized by local churches and support organizations who have rallied around the grieving family.

Mardasia’s death is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be—and how important it is for communities to come together to protect their most vulnerable. While no words can ease the grief of losing such a young life, Mardasia’s story will not be forgotten. Her memory will fuel continued efforts to make neighborhoods safer and more aware of the unique needs of children with autism. Let her legacy be one that inspires love, vigilance, and lasting change.