South Carolina Toddler Drowns In PA Pond

South Carolina Toddler Drowns In PA Pond

Charleston accident lawyers know the hazards of pools and ponds to young children. Just recently, a 2-year-old South Carolina boy died in a drowning accident in a pond in northwestern Pennsylvania. A coroner says the boy’s death was an accident, however, South Carolina police are still investigating the incident. According to Deputy Erie County Coroner Dennis Suschek, the toddler, Ryan Highfill of Columbia, South Carolina wandered into the pond during a family party.

The tragic event that ended in the loss of one child’s life took place in Conneaut Township, about 100 miles north of Pittsburgh. The family was in Pennsylvania visiting relatives. The young boy was found in the pond by his family just before 9 p.m. but they were unable to revive him. He was later pronounced dead at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Authorities are investigating the amount of time the boy was alone in the pond.

Howell Law Commentary: This devastating event is one that could easily have been avoided. Young children are particularly vulnerable to the danger of drowning. One in four drowning victims are children under the age of 16. Parents and pond and pool owners must take all precautions in order to ensure child safety. Infant and toddler drowning deaths are increasingly common and it is crucial that all children be accompanied by an adult when they are near the water.

The injury lawyers at Howell Law know the law dealing with drowning, swimming, and other water accident cases. Because proving negligence in drowning cases is usually complex, working with an experienced lawyer can lead to proving liability in these cases.

Source: Associated Press-“Coroner: SC boy drowns in Pa. pond accident”- Sept. 4, 2009