GENEVA COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews) — A 5-year-old child died Saturday following a drowning incident at a residence in western Geneva County near Kingston, according to the Geneva County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Donny Adkinson said the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office and Samson EMS responded to a 911 call at approximately 6 a.m. on July 4 reporting the drowning of the child.
According to the coroner, family members were performing CPR when emergency personnel arrived. The child was transported to Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp, where lifesaving efforts continued. Despite those efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to the release, the child will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the official cause and manner of death.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. As families enjoy the holiday weekend, I encourage everyone to pay special attention to children, especially around pools, ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Although the circumstances surrounding drowning deaths are unique in every case, constant supervision around water is one of the most important steps parents and caregivers can take to help prevent tragedies like this,” Adkinson said.
Adkinson also asked the community to remember the family during this difficult time.
“On behalf of the Geneva County Coroner’s Office, I ask that everyone keep this child’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
