6-year-old boy drowns after wandering away during family reunion: Police
A 6-year-old boy drowned after walking away during a family reunion in Michigan, authorities said.
Kids were playing in a bouncy castle at Belle Isle Park in Detroit on Saturday when the 6-year-old "wandered away from the other kids and the family reunion," Michigan State Police said.
Family members launched a search for the 6-year-old, who has autism, and called 911, police said.
He was missing for about one hour before an adult and a child found him in a river, police said.
Responders gave the boy CPR and used an automated external defibrillator on him and then rushed him to the Children's Hospital of Michigan, police said. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
"Our heart goes out to this little boy’s family and also the first responders and community members on scene who did everything they could to try and save this child’s life," Michigan State Police 1st Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, we have seen several drownings in Michigan this year," Shaw said.
There are over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4, the CDC said.
"A drowning can happen quickly," Shaw warned. "Keep a close eye on your kids and people who can't swim, wear life jackets when boating and if you are a poor swimmer, and be careful with alcohol consumption."
