Tragedy struck early Friday morning in El Portal, Florida, when a four-year-old girl was found lifeless in a backyard pool. Local authorities confirmed the heartbreaking discovery, which occurred around 3:40 a.m., after a 911 call reported the young child floating in the water.
A woman inside the residence noticed the child in the pool but was unable to save her. Paramedics swiftly transported the girl to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was sadly pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.
The home, located near Northwest 90th Street and Northwest 1st Avenue, has been secured for an ongoing investigation led by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit. As of now, officials have not disclosed how the child ended up in the pool or any further details surrounding the incident.
Richard Cooper, the mother's attorney, shared that the mother is devastated by the loss. "I've been with her all morning; she is deeply saddened and distraught," Cooper stated. He explained that the family had rented the home while vacationing in South Florida and described the girl's death as a tragic accident.
Community members have expressed their shock and sorrow over the unexpected tragedy, particularly given the unusual timing when children are typically asleep. "Three in the morning is unheard of," remarked neighbor Harold Baptiste. "My heart goes out to them. I feel so sorry for them."
Aerial footage suggests that the lack of a protective fence around the pool may have allowed the child easy access to the water. The investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover more details about this unfortunate death. The identities of the child and her mother have not been released.
This incident echoes a similar tragedy from the previous year, when an eight-year-old girl in Houston, Texas, died after being sucked into a pool drain at a hotel. Aliyah Lynette Jaico was swimming at the "Doubletree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow" hotel when she vanished around 4:50 p.m., only to be discovered the next morning by rescue divers using video cameras.
Key Questions About Pool Safety and Child Safety
How can communities improve pool safety for children?
Communities can enhance pool safety by enforcing strict regulations on pool barriers, installing alarms, and educating parents and caregivers about supervision and emergency response techniques.
What should parents consider when renting a vacation home with a pool?
Parents should assess the safety measures in place, such as fencing and pool covers, and ensure they familiarize themselves with local emergency services and protocols in case of an accident.