Emotional reaction was the norm after a 4-year-old boy died Friday after being found unresponsive in an apartment swimming pool in Gwinnett County.
An uncle of the victim said that a gate to the pool at the family’s apartment complex was lacking a bar, creating a space big enough for a small child to fit through, Channel 2 Action News reported. The uncle, Taty Pankwa, also said another gate to the pool was open, Channel 2 reported.
The accident happened at the Landmark at Bella Vista apartments in Duluth. The boy was found face down in the pool when Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services responded to the 911 call about 4:20 p.m. The boy had wandered away from his mother, uncle and others in an apartment, authorities said.
Staff at the apartment complex did not respond Saturday to a request for comment from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The child’s name has not been released by authorities.
One resident of the complex, Lance Carithers, told Channel 2, “It’s unbelievable, man. They were cleaning the pool today, but the gates are locked and it says closed but I don’t know.”
Gwinnett police also issued words of caution after the death.
“This is a truly tragic event for the family as well as the community,” spokeswoman Cpl. Michelle Pihera said Friday in an email. “Many children love swimming pools and other bodies of water. No matter their swimming abilities, all children should be encouraged to never swim alone.”
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