Girl, 7, Drowns While Swimming With Friends

April 30, 2011

The Escambia County Sheriff’s dive team located the body of a 7-year-old female in Bayou Grande near Fairfield Drive Friday afternoon. The victim drowned while swimming with friends, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

The body was discovered shortly after 4 p.m. in the area where witnesses said she was last seen.

At around 1 p.m., the victim and two other friends were swimming in the bayou near a beach located at the dead end of South Fairfield Drive.

“The group was caught in tidal currents,” said sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn. “An 18-year-old male, who was watching the other two, heroically pulled one to safety but was unable to save the other.”

The victim was swept away and drowned in an area approximately fifty yards away from shore, where her body was later located.

The Sheriff’s Office was notified of the drowning at 1:04 p.m. and responded along with Escambia County Fire and EMS, Escambia Search and Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Office of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Sheriff’s Office will not release the victim’s identity until all of her family has been notified.

Comments

4 Responses to “Girl, 7, Drowns While Swimming With Friends”

  1. moma3boys on May 2nd, 2011 2:47 pm

    My heart goes out to her family and to the man who tried, but couldn’t save her.

    My children play, swim and fish there. Now, I’m wary. I didn’t know there were “tidal currents.” Thank the good Lord I know now.

    Oh poor mommy

  2. Carol on May 1st, 2011 3:55 am

    To the family;
    I know at a time like this, it is little consolation, but she’s on Jesus’ lap now and smiling, I’m sure. My thoughts are with you and I will remember you in my prayers.

    To the 18 year old “Hero”. God will bless you for your bravery. I know you can’t rejoice like you should be able to for saving the life of one of the little girls, but her parents will never be able to thank you enough. May God be with you and comfort you.

  3. Kay on April 30th, 2011 7:40 am

    Thank you to the man who saved one of them, sometimes
    that’s just the best you can do. I hope you always remember you did
    WHAT YOU COULD.

    God rest this little pumkins soul. May she be well remembered,
    and may her family find peace. God Bless!

  4. joe on April 30th, 2011 6:42 am

    So Sad. I pray for this family in their time of loss.