The Brief An Arizona mother is remembering her 13-year-old autistic, non-verbal son after he walked off and was found dead in an irrigation canal. The Salt River Police Department, Mesa Police, and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office conducted a search after the teen went missing on July 12. An Arizona mother is remembering her beloved 13-year-old son after he wandered off and was later found dead in an irrigation ditch. Flynn says her 13-year-old son Josiah was a happy, giggly kid, one who brought joy to those around him. Image 1 of 4 ▼Flynn says Josiah also loved going with his siblings to visit his dad on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation.