The father of a six-year-old boy who died after being found unresponsive in a neighbour's pool in Perth's southern suburbs has paid tribute to his "beautiful" son and thanked everyone who helped search for him.
The boy, named Joey, died in hospital after he was found in the Booragoon pool after he was reported missing by his parents about 4pm yesterday.
Police said Joey was found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the backyard of a nearby property about 5:25pm.
They had earlier urged residents to check their gardens and any outbuildings.
'A special, special kid'
His father Steven Vines said life would never be the same.
"He was a beautiful little autistic boy. He couldn't yell for help because he was non-verbal," Mr Vines said.
"Thanks for everyone helping. We just wish we could've found him quicker.
"Thanks for all the officers, thanks for everyone for trying.
"He was a special, special kid ... he couldn't talk but we knew how to communicate with him.
"We're not going to cope. He was a big part of our life."
When Joey was found, officers provided emergency first aid before St John Ambulance paramedics arrived and took over.
He was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital but later died.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the state coroner.
WA Premier Mark McGowan offered his condolences to the boy's family.
"Obviously a shocking thing and we were all hoping for the best, but it didn't turn out that way. So can I pass on all our thoughts to little Joey's family," he said.
