2-year-old boy drowns in pool in Superior Township
A 2-year-old boy drowned in a pool this afternoon while he and several other children were outside being watched by a relative, authorities say.
The drowning occurred on Mario Court, a private drive near M-14 and Curtis Road in Superior Township.
The boy, who didn't live at the home, was being watched by his aunt, along with six siblings and cousins, said sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson. The children ranged in age from 9 months to 12 years old and were outside at the time, Jackson said.
At 2:36 p.m., the boy's aunt reported him missing, Jackson said. It's not clear how long he had been missing by that time.
The boy was found in the pool at 2:41 p.m. He was rushed to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5:30 p.m., Jackson said.
The boy's name has not been released. His family lives in Washtenaw County, Jackson said.
There have been several drownings or near drownings in the area in recent weeks.
- A 21-year-old Lincoln Park man who was swimming with his two brothers drowned at Clean Water Beach on Cone Road in Milan Township over the Memorial Day weekend.
- A 3-year-old girl nearly drowned in Independence Lake in Webster Township over the Fourth of July weekend. She was later upgraded to serious condition.
- A Hamburg Township man drowned in Zukey Lake last week after he went under in the lake as he helped save his 15-year-old son from drowning.
Comments
Angela Conklin
Wed, Jul 21, 2010 : 10:07 p.m.
My son drowned on August 4, 2007 in a small pool in our backyard in Superior Township. It makes me feel ill to my stomach that there are such cruel people in this world. If you tell me you watch your children 24/7 your lying, and if you do, a tragedy like this can still happen to ANYONE. We loved our son and miss him every single day. Please people don't be judgemental when you have no idea the circumstances or the pain these people are going through. These are very bad accidents and tragedies that happen to good people. My heart aches for this family as I know first hand the road that lies ahead for them. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the aunt. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Angela Conklin
stunhsif
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
My thoughts and prayers are with this family.There is no greater tragedy than to lose a precious child.
Mary D.
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.
When I see things like this, I really wish that it was NOT possible for people to make public comments about news stories. I couldn't agree more, Mary. (another) Mary D.
M.
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 9:58 a.m.
Jeff Renner - THANK YOU for your link!! Everyone should definitely read it. I know so many people with near-drowning experiences as children (myself included). If you take your child(ren) to swim, be prepared to focus 100% on them. This is NOT an activity to keep the children busy while you're grilling food or chatting with other adults. If you're unable to get in the water with your kid(s) or give them 100% of your attention, then don't feel guilty that they can't get in the water...a disappointed child is no big deal compared to the danger you would be putting them in.
Mary Dooley
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
To those responsible for making blaming comments: That people would be so cruel as to attempt to place blame on someone, without even knowing any of the circumstances, shows how deluded about life you are. I grew up on a lake, and had seven siblings. I think it is an incredible miracle, that we all made it to adulthood. It would have been so easy for something to happen.... A major fact of life is, a person can take every precaution and every safety measure, and tragedy can still occur. Unfortunately, life does not come with guarantees, and you are deluding yourself, if you think you can protect yourself from experiencing the fragility of life. You may get lucky, and not have the tragedy occur to you. But if it does, you have to hope that people will be more supportive and understanding than you have been, in this forum. When I see things like this, I really wish that it was NOT possible for people to make public comments about news stories.
Bob
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 7:24 a.m.
I can't begin to imagine the grief everyone must be dealing with. Most of my five children have had close calls over the years and I still wake up at night sweating over what could have happened. Thank God they were only "close" and not disastrous. All of our prayers should be for this family.
Jeff Renner
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 7:06 a.m.
These drownings and near-drownings are indeed very sad. I recently found this excellent article, "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning" http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/ that I strongly recommend for anyone who is ever around water.
tdw
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 5:54 a.m.
Nothing and I mean NOTHING could be sadder.Anyone involved will never forget it. Bummer big time
15crown00
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 : 1:42 a.m.
watch the kids or don't them in the pool.it's not a babysitter like TV is.nope it's full of danger.
stonecutter1
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 11:29 p.m.
Also, "god" had nothing to do with this. Improper supervision did.
stonecutter1
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 11:26 p.m.
Sad indeed, but any adult(s) that allows this to happen is not a proper guardian. Rely on no one except reliable adults!
Candy Conklin
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 10:01 p.m.
As a grandmother of an 18 month old boy who drowned in Superior township on August 4, 2007, these families' lives will never be the same. There will be plenty of grieving, sadness, blame, guilt, and yes, even being mad with God for awhile. Faith in God returned and is a sustaining factor for our family. It hurts every day and always will. We have a different outlook when we wake each morning and thank Him at night for what we were blessed with and continue to have. Three years later we still cry for our little Grant. Our sincerest sympathies, love, and prayers to this grief stricken family.
a2girl
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 9:57 p.m.
This is a tragedy. I can only hope that it serves as a reminder that it is so important to watch children VERY carefully in pools. Even when lifeguards are present, small children and children who are beginning to swim need an adult in the pool with them. Many times I witness adults coming to our pool with too many children -- it does not matter how great a parent or babysitter you are, there are only so many children one person can watch. Even when lifeguards are present.
Wolverine3660
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.
Very sad. The little ones, who dont yet know what danger is, need to be watched very carefully.