Two 3-year-old children died Wednesday after drowning at a Cordele home in Crisp County, a tragedy that has shaken the quiet community. Crisp County 911 crews and other first responders got to the scene around 11 a.m., began life-saving efforts on both children and rushed them to Crisp Regional Hospital, where the toddlers were later pronounced dead.
According to CBS Atlanta, the 911 center received a call at about 11:01 a.m. on April 22 reporting a possible drowning at a residence on Aberdeen Circle. First responders found two 3-year-olds at the home and took them to Crisp Regional Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Police said they are withholding the children’s names and other specifics out of respect for the family and to protect the investigation.
GBI Called In To Assist
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been brought in to help Cordele police with the death investigation. A GBI spokeswoman told local reporters that, because the case is still active, that is all the information the agency can share right now, according to WALB.
Police Limiting Details As Probe Continues
Cordele police asked residents to keep the children’s family in their thoughts and prayers and noted that multiple agencies responded to the scene. Officials have declined to release further information while investigators continue their work, FOX5 Atlanta reports.
Why Toddler Drownings Are So Deadly
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, and national data show drowning rates have risen in recent years, according to the CDC. The agency urges “layers of protection” to cut risk, including constant adult supervision around water, four-sided fencing that fully separates pools from the house and yard, life jackets for open water and starting swimming lessons early.
Where To Send Tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cordele Police Department at (229) 276-2921 or the GBI Region 3 Americus office at (229) 931-2439. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the GBI tipline. Local outlets say they plan to update coverage as authorities release more details.
