Framingham, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Framingham authorities continue to investigate two serious incidents this summer. A 15-year-old girl, Taelyn Chapman, has been missing since early August, prompting search efforts by local police and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. In a separate incident, a 16-year-old boy tragically drowned at Learned Pond in mid-July. The town is reviewing waterfront safety procedures as the cases remain under investigation.
Framingham — Two serious incidents in Framingham this summer have prompted an ongoing missing-person search and a separate investigation into a fatal drowning.
Missing 15-year-old: search continues
Taelyn Chapman, a 15-year-old girl, has been missing since August 1, 2025. She was last seen in Framingham and authorities are asking the public for help locating her. The case is being worked with assistance from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Framingham police describe Chapman as about 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 105 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown/red hair. When last seen she was wearing a black skirt and a grey hoodie. Investigators believe she may be in the Waltham or Boston areas.
Anyone with information on Chapman’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Framingham Police Department at 508-872-1212. Tips may be provided by phone to assist investigators as the search continues.
Tragic drowning at Learned Pond
A separate incident on July 20, 2025 resulted in the death of a teenage swimmer. A 16-year-old boy, initially reported as 17, was pulled from Learned Pond in Framingham after being reported missing while swimming at approximately 3:02 p.m.
Framingham Fire and Police Departments launched a water rescue operation after the missing-swimmer report. Fire department resources included surface swimmers and a Dive Team, among other units. The swimmer was located roughly 30 yards from shore about 10 minutes after the initial report. He was unresponsive and not breathing when recovered from the water. Emergency personnel performed CPR on scene before transporting him to MetroWest Medical Center. The teen was later pronounced deceased at a Boston-area hospital.
There were no lifeguards on duty at Learned Beach during the incident. Four staff members were present at the site, and two of those staff members held lifeguard certification. The beach had posted signage indicating that it was an unguarded waterfront. Framingham Parks & Recreation has reported a lifeguard shortage this summer, which has affected coverage at some town waterfronts.
Police and town officials expressed condolences to the family and noted the rapid response and coordinated efforts of first responders who conducted the water rescue and provided medical care.
Investigation and community response
Both matters remain under investigation. The missing-person search involves local law enforcement and national child safety resources. The drowning incident was handled by Framingham emergency services and is the subject of the town’s review of waterfront staffing and safety procedures.
Local officials have reiterated safety reminders for residents and visitors using area waterways: supervise young swimmers, swim where lifeguards are present when possible, observe posted warnings, and be aware of conditions that can change rapidly in natural bodies of water.
What authorities are asking the public to do
- Provide any information about Taelyn Chapman to the Framingham Police Department at 508-872-1212.
- Report any sightings or tips about Chapman’s possible presence in the Waltham or Boston areas.
- Exercise caution at unguarded waterfronts and follow all posted safety notices.
FAQ
Who is missing?
Taelyn Chapman, a 15-year-old girl last seen in Framingham on August 1, 2025.
What does she look like?
Approximate height 5’4″, weight about 105 pounds, brown eyes, and brown/red hair. Last seen wearing a black skirt and a grey hoodie.
Where might she be?
Investigators believe she may be in the Waltham or Boston areas but continue to search in Framingham and surrounding communities.
How can I provide a tip?
Contact the Framingham Police Department at 508-872-1212 with any information about Taelyn Chapman’s whereabouts.
What happened at Learned Pond?
On July 20, 2025, a 16-year-old boy was reported missing while swimming at Learned Pond. He was recovered by rescue teams but was unresponsive and later pronounced deceased at a hospital.
Were lifeguards on duty?
There were no lifeguards on duty at Learned Beach at the time of the incident. Four staff members were present, two of whom were certified lifeguards. Signs indicated the waterfront was unguarded.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing person | Taelyn Chapman, 15 years old |
| Last seen | Framingham — August 1, 2025 |
| Physical description | About 5’4\”, ~105 lbs, brown eyes, brown/red hair |
| Last known clothing | Black skirt and grey hoodie |
| Possible locations | Waltham or Boston areas |
| Contact | Framingham Police: 508-872-1212 |
| Drowning incident date | July 20, 2025 at ~3:02 p.m. |
| Location of drowning | Learned Pond, Framingham |
| Rescue response | Fire Dept surface swimmers and Dive Team; CPR on scene; patient transported to hospital |
| Waterfront staffing | No lifeguards on duty; four staff present; two certified lifeguards; signs indicated unguarded waterfront |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Authorities Seek Missing Framingham Teen
- MetroWest Daily News: Boy Rushed to Hospital After Water Rescue
- Patch: Framingham Teen Pulled from Pond Has Died
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- CBS News: Teenager Pulled from Pond in Framingham
- Boston.com: Framingham PD Search for Three Missing Juveniles
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