West Chester Township Mourns the Tragic Loss of 7-Year-Old Mardasia Forte

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH — A wave of sorrow has enveloped the community of West Chester Township following the heartbreaking death of 7-year-old Mardasia Forte, a bright and beloved child with autism, who was found unresponsive in a retention pond near her home on Friday morning, June 13, 2025. The young girl was later pronounced dead, leaving family, friends, neighbors, and first responders devastated by a tragedy that has stunned the entire township.

The incident occurred at the Lakota Lakes apartment complex, a residential area where Mardasia lived with her family. According to authorities with the West Chester Police Department, a search was launched after Mardasia was reported missing early Friday morning. Residents, police, and fire personnel mobilized quickly in a race against time, combing through the grounds and surrounding areas of the complex with growing urgency and dread.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., searchers made a gut-wrenching discovery—Mardasia’s body was found in a nearby retention pond located on the apartment property. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The news of her passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Mardasia, affectionately described by loved ones as joyful, curious, and full of wonder, was a child who brought light to every room she entered. She loved music, puzzles, and dancing, and had a special bond with her family and teachers. Her unique view of the world was a gift to those who knew her, and her sudden loss has left an unbearable void.

Mardasia’s family is being supported by grief counselors, local advocates, and members of the autism community. In a statement released by the family, they shared, “Mardasia was more than our daughter—she was our heart. Her smile could brighten the darkest of days. Our lives will never be the same without her.”

The circumstances surrounding how Mardasia accessed the pond remain under investigation. Authorities have stated that there is no indication of foul play, and early findings suggest that Mardasia may have wandered from her home unsupervised. Wandering behavior is a known concern among children with autism, and national statistics underscore the dangers: children on the autism spectrum are significantly more likely to be drawn to bodies of water, often with tragic consequences.

Local leaders and advocates are calling for heightened awareness around water safety and autism-related elopement risks. Several community members are already discussing the implementation of additional safety measures at local apartment complexes, including secured fencing around water bodies and improved protocols for missing children.

“We are mourning with the family and the entire West Chester community,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable some of our youngest residents can be. We will continue working with residents, property managers, and local officials to prevent something like this from happening again.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned for Mardasia at the Lakota Lakes playground this week. Community members are invited to attend and pay their respects, share memories, and stand in solidarity with the grieving family. Counselors will also be available for anyone in need of emotional support.

In the face of unimaginable pain, the West Chester Township community is rallying together to honor Mardasia’s memory. A memorial fund has been established to help support the Forte family during this difficult time and to raise awareness for water safety and autism-related initiatives. Donations have poured in from across the region, reflecting the deep empathy and love that residents feel for a young life gone far too soon.

As the sun sets over the quiet apartment complex where Mardasia once played and laughed, a solemn stillness remains. Her absence is profound, but so too is the legacy of love she leaves behind—a reminder of the preciousness of every child and the urgent need for communities to protect and cherish their most vulnerable.

Mardasia Forte will be remembered not only for the joy she brought in her seven short years, but for the way she united a town in grief, compassion, and resolve.