Police say boy’s death was tragic accident

A ROMA family has been left devastated after a three-year-old boy drowned when he wandered off from the family home.

Police are investigating but have described the boy’s death in a neighbour’s swimming pool on Sunday as a tragic accident.

Roma police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Duane Frank said it was a tragic circumstance that the family was now trying to come to terms with.

“The family is devastated; the loss of a small child is devastating to any parent. It is a tragedy that affects family and friends and everyone involved,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

He said police were contacted by the boy’s concerned mother after he wandered away from the home about 6pm.

“The mother, neighbours and friends commenced a search of the street and neighbourhood,” he said.

“Local police attended the scene and commenced a search of the area including bushland at the rear of the residence.”

The boy was located shortly after in a neighbour’s swimming pool just before 7pm, in the same street as the family home.

“He was retrieved from the pool by police who commenced CPR and first aid, assisted by medical staff nearby,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

Family members were at the scene and the boy was transported to Roma Hospital but died shortly after he arrived.

“At this stage the police investigation is continuing, speaking with family, witnesses and other people involved,” he said.

“There will be a forensic examination of the scene and at this stage police are of the view it has been a tragic accident.”