Rescuers were unsuccessful in reviving a child that was found floating in a bathtub Tuesday afternoon.
According to John Shelton, director of Surry County Emergency Services, the child was pronounced dead at Northern Hospital at 6:49 p.m.
Shelton said the child, who was 1 year and 11 months old, was in the bathtub with another toddler. He said the water had filled almost to the top of the tub.
The call for help at 234 Byerly Street was received at 6:10 p.m., however, Shelton said the child probably drowned about 6 p.m. and that he believe the mother was busy with household chores.
He said he could not release the child’s name because of the Health Information Protection Act (HIPA). He did not know the mother’s name, but he said investigators with the Mount Airy Police Department had that information. Those investigators were still working on the case and could not be reached for comment before presstime.
He said the police department is investigating the case as an accident.
Shelton said the child’s body will be sent to Wake Forest Baptist Health for an autopsy.
In addition to Surry County Emergency Services personnel, firefighters with the Mount Airy Fire Department and rescuers with the Mount Airy Rescue Squad and the Mount Airy Police Department responded to the scene as well.
Rescue Squad Chief Chad Hutchens said that while he not able to go to the scene, his crew did.
“I know this was a touching event to say the least,” said Hutchens.
Reach Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.
To the mother of this loss...I pray for comfort and guidance and strength during your time of mourning...You will have those that will scorn you during this tragic time....You hold your head high and know that God is by your side.
No one is perfect....let the accusers cast the first stone...there will be none. You are and will always be a phenomenal mother.
Those of us that are Christian moms will bind together and prayer for your strength....May God Bless You during this time...