Family prepares to bury two young Daytona Beach brothers found dead in pond

A Daytona Beach family is preparing to bury two young brothers after authorities recovered their bodies from a retention pond on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Five‑year‑old Elijah Khalil Hawkins and three‑year‑old Kashh Kendrell Williams were found hours after relatives reported them missing from their home near North Clyde Morris Boulevard, WFTV 9 reports.

Children Left Home Before Drowning

According to police, the brothers bypassed a child safety lock and left the apartment while their mother slept. Surveillance video later showed the children and the family dog walking toward the nearby pond.

According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, the video captured the boys playing near the water before both became submerged within minutes. He said Elijah went underwater at 6:02 p.m., followed by Kashh at 6:03 p.m.

Search Efforts and Recovery

Young said their mother woke from a brief nap and began searching for them at 6:06 p.m. She called 911 shortly afterward. Divers from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office recovered both children early Sunday morning.

Investigators said the boys had been underwater for more than 20 minutes before officers arrived. They do not suspect foul play and believe the drownings were accidental.

Community Raises Safety Concerns

The drownings prompted concerns about the lack of fencing around retention ponds in the area, WFTV 9 reported. Nearly 200 people gathered for a vigil this past Saturday night, and residents later returned to the complex to demand stronger safety measures.

Young noted that Elijah had autism and said some children with autism may be drawn to water, adding urgency to community calls for improved protections.

Family Remembers the Beloved Brothers

Relatives described Elijah and Kashh as bright, loving children who brought joy to everyone around them. Their uncle, Tre’Yon Mann, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their mother, Tiki’Ja Mann, and help cover funeral costs. The fundraiser has collected more than $13,000, according to family updates.

Their mother said the boys were “beautiful souls” who will be deeply missed.

Although investigators found no evidence of foul play, the case has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review.