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6 from Haiti vanish from Special Olympics in Kissimmee

Haitian delegation members last seen Monday, deputies say

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Six Haitian Special Olympics members have gone missing out of Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Among those missing are Antione Mithon, 32; Nicholson Fontilus, 20; Peter Berlus, 19; Anderson Petit-Frere, 18; Steevenson Jacquet, 24; and Oriol Jean, 18, reports show.

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Deputies said they were last seen Monday at 710 S. Victory Way — near the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex — in Kissimmee at approximately 2:30 p.m. That is where the Special Olympics USA Games is taking place.

Records indicate they turned in their room keys and left behind their personal bags and belongings.

The sheriff’s office said it is communicating with Walt Disney World, Special Olympics and other law enforcement agencies to try to find the missing men.

According to Special Olympics organizers, five of the men are not Special Olympics athletes, and one is an adult with an intellectual disability.

“It’s frightening and disturbing because I’m thinking about special needs,” said Hope Watson, whose son is participating in the swim competition. “You can’t fend for yourself.”

Deputies said they believe this is an isolated incident and do not suspect foul play, nor do they believe the health or safety of any of the missing men is at risk.

Anyone with information on the players’ whereabouts are asked to contact the department at (321) 697-4546.

Clarification:

In a previous version of this article, News 6 reported the six men were athletes based on a release from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Organizers have since clarified that five of the men are not participants in the Special Olympics.