A 5-year-old boy from Brevard County was found unconscious at the bottom of a pool at an Airbnb in Davenport, Florida, shortly after 1 p.m. Deputies began CPR at the scene and the child was taken to Celebration Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances, and officials say the probe is ongoing. Pediatric emergency physician Dr. Beachgem emphasized that drownings rise in summer and urged swim lessons, secure fencing, and constant sober supervision to prevent such tragedies.
5-Year-Old Found Unconscious in Florida Airbnb Pool Dies — Homicide Detectives Investigating
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A 5-year-old boy was pronounced dead after being discovered unconscious at the bottom of a swimming pool at an Airbnb rental in Davenport, Florida, officials said.
Osceola County deputies were dispatched to a property off Takeaway Way shortly after 1 p.m. after someone located the child at the bottom of the pool, according to a statement from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Deputies immediately began administering CPR and continued life-saving measures until local fire and rescue crews arrived.
The child was transported to Celebration Hospital, where medical staff later pronounced him dead. Authorities identified the boy as a Brevard County resident who was staying with extended family and said he had been in the pool with other children when the incident occurred. Officials have not released the child’s name pending family notification.
Investigation Underway
Homicide detectives later responded to the property to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning. The sheriff's office said the death remains under investigation and asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Public updates have been limited as detectives continue their work at the scene.
Expert Guidance on Water Safety
Dr. Beachgem, a pediatric emergency physician in St. Petersburg, Florida, has told PEOPLE that fatal pediatric drownings rise during warm months and that she commonly treats such cases. She has urged families to take preventive steps to reduce drowning risk, including early formal swim lessons, secure pool fencing, and active supervision by a sober adult whenever children are in or near water.
'Drowning is preventable 100% of the time, but it's something that can happen quickly,' Dr. Beachgem said. 'It happens very quietly, which is why constant, attentive supervision and safety barriers are essential.'
Authorities continue to investigate. PEOPLE reached out to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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