13/10/2026
Five-year-old Kallie Bligen was autistic, non-verbal, and loved by her family. Her parents took extraordinary precautions to keep her safe, including alarms and locks.
On October 3, 2025, an alarm on the sliding door fell, and Kallie made her way outside. She was found unconscious in the retention pond approximately 10 feet from her home. Kallie died.
After an investigation by The Haggard Law Firm, her family's wrongful death case was resolved with a $5 million settlement, without an admission of fault by the apartment owners or operators.
NBC Miami spoke to Kallie's family and our Adam Finkel about the tragedy and the increased drowning risks for children with autism.
Now, Kallie's parents are turning their grief into advocacy through the Kallie Breeze Foundation, raising awareness about autism, wandering, retention pond dangers and drowning prevention.
Kallie's story matters. Her family hopes it helps prevent another loss.