Families at Belle Isle Park exemplifying good water safety practices.
A heartbreaking incident occurred at Belle Isle Park, where a 6-year-old boy with autism drowned during a family reunion. After wandering away from a bounce house, family members searched for him but were unable to locate him in time. Emergency services were alerted after about 30 minutes, and despite their swift response, the boy was pronounced dead at the hospital. This tragedy has sparked a critical conversation on the importance of water safety for children.
A 6-year-old boy from Detroit with autism tragically drowned at Belle Isle Park during a family reunion on Saturday night, July 26, 2025. The incident occurred near Shelter #2 next to the river that leads into Lake Tacoma.
Family members reported losing sight of the boy after he wandered away from a bounce house where other children were playing. Concerned family members began searching for the boy for around 30 minutes before they decided to call 911 to report him missing at approximately 7:20 PM.
Efforts to locate the child took a dire turn when another child and an adult found the boy in the river about 30 minutes after he had been reported missing. Emergency services were alerted and conservation officers, along with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) park rangers, arrived at the scene to perform CPR and rescue breathing immediately.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) was deployed during the rescue efforts, delivering one successful shock. Following this, a state trooper who arrived on the scene took over life-saving measures and was subsequently joined by personnel from the Detroit Fire Department.
The child was rushed to Children’s Hospital with a police escort, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. This heartbreaking event has raised awareness about the critical issue of water safety, particularly regarding young children.
In the wake of this tragedy, Michigan State Police expressed their condolences to the family. They emphasized that drowning incidents can occur quickly and often without warning. Authorities strongly advise parents to closely monitor their children in and around water, ensure that those unable to swim are wearing proper life jackets, and remain cautious with alcohol consumption while enjoying water activities.
Statistics from water safety experts underscore the urgency of these warnings, as drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged one to four and the second leading cause for children under the age of 14 in the United States. Megan Ferraro, executive director of the ZAC Foundation, highlighted these sobering statistics in light of the incident.
Experts recommend several key precautions for families participating in water activities. These measures include closely supervising children near water, teaching them basic swimming skills, avoiding distractions, and ensuring that water activities are safe and developmentally appropriate. Swim lessons and safety workshops can further help families stay informed and prepared.
This tragic drowning incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety around water. With proper precautions and awareness, families can better protect their loved ones during outings that involve water.
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