Tragic Drowning of 7-Year-Old Autistic Boy Harbe Nagi Ends Mᴀssive Search in Menands: Found in Neighbor’s Pool Two Houses from Family Graduation Party

In a heartbreaking conclusion to a frantic two-day search that mobilized hundreds across New York’s Capital Region, the body of 7-year-old Harbe M. Nagi was recovered from a neighbor’s swimming pool in Menands on the morning of June 30, 2026—just two houses from where he vanished during a family graduation party. The nonverbal autistic boy, who had a documented history of wandering and a fascination with water, was found deceased around 8 a.m., bringing a tragic end to the desperate efforts of police, volunteers, and family members who had combed woods, neighborhoods, and waterways since Sunday afternoon.

Harbe, born January 13, 2019, stood just 3 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 48 pounds. He was last seen at approximately 4:20 p.m. on June 28 while visiting relatives on Park Drive in the village of Menands, a quiet Albany suburb. His mother and uncle, Adam Alharbi, were attending a family gathering when the boy—who was known to wander and explore—stepped away. A 911 call came in at 4:23 p.m., roughly 10 minutes later. Harbe required daily medication and, as a nonverbal child with autism, could not call for help or explain his whereabouts.

Menands Police Lieutenant Kevin Schwebke confirmed the discovery: “Eight o’clock this morning, Harbe was found deceased in a neighboring pool.” The pool belonged to residents just two doors down from the party location. Authorities have stated there is “no indication of criminality” and investigators do not suspect foul play, though the circumstances remain under review pending autopsy results. The boy’s strong interest in water, the outdoors, and climbing—details shared by family—likely played a role in his path to the unsecured pool.

The search had been exhaustive and community-driven. Albany County Sheriff’s deputies, New York State Police, the Department of Environmental Conservation, K-9 units, drones, helicopters, and dozens of volunteers scoured the Sage Estates Woods preserve and surrounding areas. An ice cream truck was even deployed at one point, playing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”—a song Harbe loved—in hopes of drawing him out. Missing child alerts were issued statewide, and the case drew widespread attention because of Harbe’s vulnerabilities.

Uncle Adam Alharbi voiced the family’s devastation in a public statement: “We are devastated to share that he has been found deceased. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search.” The family, who live in nearby Guilderland, had been visiting Menands for the celebration. Harbe’s mother was present at the gathering, underscoring how quickly a joyful family event can turn into unimaginable loss.

This tragedy highlights critical issues surrounding autism, elopement (wandering), and water safety. Studies show that children with autism are significantly more likely to wander and face drowning risks—nearly half of all deaths among wandering autistic children involve water. Unsecured pools remain a leading hazard. In Harbe’s case, the proximity of the pool to the party site raises urgent questions about supervision, fencing requirements, and community awareness in residential areas.

Village Mayor Brian Marsh expressed sorrow, noting the outcome was not what anyone hoped for. Park Drive between Wards Lane and Mountain View was closed with crime-scene tape as investigators processed the scene, though officials emphasized sensitivity toward the grieving family. No arrests have been made, and police continue to stress that all possibilities were examined but point to an accidental drowning after the boy wandered off.

The loss has rippled through Menands and beyond. Neighbors who joined the search described the boy as a beloved member of the community who often visited the area. Online tributes poured in, with many calling for greater education on autism safety and stricter pool security laws. Representative voices in the region have already begun discussing potential legislative responses, including mandatory pool barriers and enhanced wandering-prevention programs for families of nonverbal children.

Harbe Nagi’s story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the special challenges faced by families raising children with autism. What began as a routine Sunday gathering ended in profound sorrow just days later. While the official investigation rules out foul play, the pain for his loved ones—and the lessons for society—will endure far longer than the search itself.

As the Capital Region mourns, one truth stands clear: every child deserves the safety net of vigilant supervision, secure environments, and community vigilance. Harbe’s short life and tragic end must spur action so that other families never endure this nightmare. The waters that claimed him now serve as a solemn call to protect the most vulnerable among us.