6-Year-Old Girl with Autism Tragically Dies After Slipping into Icy Pond
NORTON, Mass.– The life of 6-year-old Josephine “Josie” Pinto was tragically cut short last Friday after she slipped out the back door of her home and was later found in a partially frozen pond. Josie, who had autism and was nonverbal, went missing around 2:30 p.m. from her family’s home in Norton, Massachusetts, which backs up to Barrowsville Pond and Wading River.
Her parents made a desperate call to authorities, prompting an immediate search of the area. Less than an hour later, divers discovered Josie’s body in the icy waters. Emergency responders performed CPR and rushed her to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Josie’s father, John Pinto, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to first responders, saying, “The firemen that helped so diligently to try to find my baby—we want to say thank you.”
Josie and her twin sister, Rose Marie “Rosie” Pinto, were both diagnosed with autism in 2021. The family had taken precautions to ensure their safety, as the girls were known to wander. Despite these efforts, Josie reportedly bolted out the back door on the day of the incident.
Described in her obituary as a loving and affectionate child, Josie was full of life and curiosity. She had a passion for puzzles, enjoyed school, and adored the Disney movie “Frozen.”
On Monday, community members gathered at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church to honor Josie’s life. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family has raised over $83,000 as of Wednesday night. The funds will help ease the family’s financial burdens and provide care for Josie’s twin sister. The Pinto family also plans to donate part of the proceeds in Josie’s name to raise awareness about autism and promote safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Josie’s story has touched hearts in her community and beyond, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for families of children with autism.
