Tragedy Strikes in Simpsonville: Missing Third Grader Found in Pond
SIMSPONVILLE — A heartbreaking incident occurred on September 12, 2024, when an 8-year-old boy, Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, was found dead in a pond near Bell’s Crossing Elementary School. Lionel had run away from the school earlier that day, prompting a widespread search by local authorities and community members.
According to reports, Lionel was with two classmates and three staff members when he suddenly bolted from the classroom around 11 a.m. During a press conference, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis mentioned that multiple staff members chased after him but lost sight of him as he crossed a fence and entered a grassy field behind the school.
After being alerted, local law enforcement and school security teams quickly began searching the area. The search included personnel from several agencies, including the FBI and local police departments. Sadly, around 3 p.m., a dive team discovered Lionel’s body in a pond off Lennox Lake Drive, just a short distance from the school.
Deputies noted that incidents like this are not uncommon, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. Research shows that children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown compared to their peers. “There’s a lot of broken hearts in the school and this community today,” Sheriff Lewis said, expressing the deep sorrow felt by many.
Greenville County Schools Board Chairwoman Carolyn Styles echoed these sentiments, stating she was heartbroken over the loss of the young boy. School officials have arranged for counselors to assist students and staff in coping with this tragedy. Principal Christopher Ross emphasized that the school community is devastated by this incident and has requested no visitors or volunteers on the following day as they focus on supporting their students.
Superintendent Burke Royster noted that an investigation would take place to understand what happened and how the situation could have been prevented. Safety is the top priority for the district, and staff receive extensive training on managing student behaviors, particularly for those who may elope from safe environments.
The incident has left the community in mourning, reminding everyone of the vulnerabilities and challenges many children face. “It’s a tragic day, and we are all feeling the weight of this loss,” said Sheriff Lewis.
