VERO BEACH SOUTH — A 1-year-old boy died after he was pulled from a backyard pool at a home, given life-saving procedures and rushed to the hospital Tuesday. Preliminary reports show the incident appears to be an accidental drowning, said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family on the loss of their precious child,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a statement. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we ask the community to keep this family in their thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.”
The boy’s family discovered his lifeless body in the pool shortly before 3:30 p.m., pulled him out and called 911 to report a drowning, Jaworski said. Indian River County Fire Rescue crews and Indian River County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence in the 700 block of 46th Square, south of Eighth Street.
The toddler was taken by ambulance to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce in critical condition, said Bill Herrington, assistant fire chief with Indian River County Fire Rescue. Doctors then pronounced the boy dead, Jaworski said.
Deputies continue to investigate the drowning.
No further details were immediately available.
