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In just three days, the city of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was shaken by two tragedies that claimed the lives of two minors in separate drowning incidents.
The most recent case occurred on Sunday afternoon, when Roger Rivera, a 13-year-old boy with autism and unable to speak, disappeared while in the backyard of his home with his mother.
According to the local police chief, Leo Niemczyk, the young man "suddenly began to run," and the woman was unable to catch up with him, losing sight of him shortly afterward.
Neighbors and authorities immediately began the search, using drones, diving equipment, and agents from various agencies, deployed in the nearby bodies of water.
Witnesses indicated that they saw the teenager enter a retention pond behind the house. His iPad was found near the shore, which guided the investigation.
After several hours of searching, divers recovered his body around 7:00 PM, about six feet deep and a few meters from the shore.
"With great sorrow and deep sadness, 13-year-old Roger Rivera was found dead in a body of water not far from his home," announced the Port St. Lucie Police on X.
The first tragedy occurred on Friday afternoon when a three-year-old boy was found by his father floating in the pool at their home on Southwest Edison Circle.
The man was looking after, in addition to his son, another four-year-old child and his own three-month-old baby.
According to the police report, she fed the baby and put him to sleep; when she returned to the kitchen, she found the back door open and saw the two small children outside: one on the pool terrace and the other in the water.
He began cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers while the firefighters arrived, who then took the child to a hospital, where he passed away.
The pool had a gate, but no security cameras. Investigations are underway to determine how the boy was able to gain access.
Chief Niemczyk urged parents and caregivers to strengthen security measures in homes with small children, including high-security locks and motion alarms for pools, as drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Florida.
In 2024, 105 children lost their lives due to this cause in the state.
Both in the community and among the rescue teams, the deaths of these two minors have caused deep shock.
The portal CBS 12 reported that the Police have scheduled psychological support sessions for the staff involved in both cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drowning Incidents Involving Minors in Florida
What were the circumstances of the recent drownings in Port St. Lucie?
In Port St. Lucie, two minors drowned in separate incidents. Roger Rivera, a 13-year-old autistic teenager, went missing and was found dead in a retention pond near his home. Another three-year-old was found floating in his family's pool by his father. Both cases have caused deep shock within the community.
What safety measures are recommended to prevent drowning in children in Florida?
The chief of police in Port St. Lucie suggested enhancing security in homes with young children. It is recommended to install high-security locks and motion alarms in swimming pools, as drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Florida.
What is the prevalence of drownings among minors in Florida?
In 2024, 105 children lost their lives due to drowning in the state of Florida. This highlights the importance of constant vigilance and the implementation of effective safety measures around bodies of water in residential areas.
How has the community of Port St. Lucie reacted to these tragic events?
The Port St. Lucie community has been profoundly affected by the deaths of the two minors. Psychological support sessions have been organized for the rescue personnel involved, and a call has been made to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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