Child’s drowning was ‘unfortunate accident,‘ police say
Police are calling yesterday’s drowning of a 2-year-old Chesterfield County boy a “very unfortunate accident” that did not involve any apparent negligence. “We’re still investigating it, but preliminarily that’s what it looks like,” said Chesterfield police Capt. Terry Patterson. “It just sounds like a very unfortunate accident.” Patterson said the child’s great-grandmother was caring for the toddler and another child, between 9 and 11, at the time of the 12:35 p.m. incident in the 4400 block of Mason Valley Court. Police did not release the child's name. “The child was watching TV and apparently just slipped out the front door undetected, and made his way onto the raised deck around the back, which [has] an above-ground pool,” Patterson said. The deck is level with the pool and the child either fell or jumped into the water. When family members realized the boy wasn’t in the house, they frantically searched for him and found him in the pool. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to a local hospital.Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Kenny, I agree accidents are something that can’t be prevented. This could have been prevented in several ways. Dead bolt on the door, locked gate around the pool. They sell pool alarms now. Anyone who has kids and pools has to be twice as careful.
I do extend my sympathy to the family and just hope this tragedy will wake up others to the dangers.
Accidents can be prevented. A child should never be more that an arm’s reach from a responsible adult. Pools are required to be fenced in with a self closing self locking device. Pool alarms are also available. How many more things to we have to develop or invent to take the place of a responsible adult?
This really is an unfortunate accident. I just wish those that had pools used more precaution to ensure their small children have no access to the pool. My condolences go to the family.
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