A tragic incident occurred in Ferry Township as a young child, only 16 months of age, drowned in an above-ground pool yesterday. WOODTV reports that the Oceana County Sheriff's Office received a call around 5:55 p.m. about the incident, which took place near S. 132nd Avenue and E. Hayes Road. According to deputies, upon their arrival, they discovered a "very distraught family" around the toddler, who had been missing briefly before being found in the family pool.
The temperature was reportedly quite high that day, and the authorities believe that the child was unsupervised for a short time. Efforts to save the boy's life by first responders were unfortunately unsuccessful. "We ask everyone to keep the family in their prayers during this very difficult time," the sheriff's office wrote, as noted by WOODTV. Meanwhile, two other drownings were also reported over the weekend across West Michigan, sparking a fresh wave of concern over water safety.
The Oceana County Sheriff's Office also informed the press that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the precise circumstances surrounding a toddler's drowning. Aid attempted by the deputies and emergency teams was not enough to prevent the tragic outcome. WWMT adds that the sheriff’s office described the investigation as likely to be lengthy and is asking for the community's continuous support for the grieving family. In their statement, the sheriff’s office acknowledged the aid from Ferry Township Rescue, Life EMS, Oceana Victim's Service, and the Michigan State Police, reflecting a community banded in the face of a harrowing loss.
