A 4-year-old girl drowned while taking a bath, Port St. Lucie Police said late last week. The child was in the care of her 16-year-old sister while their mother left home to run an errand.
According to police, the teenage sibling was placed in charge of her four younger siblings, ranging in age from 4 to 14. The 16-year-old was in the house doing chores while the 4-year-old bathed.
When the teen went to check on the girl, she found her sister face down in the tub, located in the master bath. She called 911 and attempted CPR until help arrived.
The drowning occurred Thursday around 12:40 p.m. in the 2600 block of SW Harem Circle, Port St. Lucie.
St. Lucie County Fire/Rescue arrived on scene and took the child to Tradition Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival, police said.
Detectives are actively investigating her death.
Charges have not been filed as the investigation continues.
Authorities found the 16-year-old sister in the home with her brothers ages 14, 9 and 7.