A toddler in northern Colorado died after falling into a ditch fed by the Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, marking the second child death on a Front Range waterway Tuesday night.
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Larimer County emergency crews responded to reports that a child fell into an active irrigation ditch in the 3100 block of North County Road 19 at 6 p.m., the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
As swift water rescue teams searched the ditch, a neighbor found the child and started CPR. He was taken to the hospital by emergency medical crews but did not survive, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office is investigating the case and victim advocates are supporting the boy’s family and neighbors, according to the agency.
The boy’s name, cause and manner of death will be released by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
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“Sudden loss is never easy, but losing a child is especially hard,” Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer said in a statement Wednesday. “Our hearts are heavy today for this family and everyone who knew this little boy.”
A 4-year-old boy also died Tuesday night after falling into St. Vrain Creek southwest of Lyons in Boulder County, where he was camping with his family.
Anyone who witnessed the Larimer County incident and has not spoken to police can contact Investigator Marcus Simelane at 970-498-5515.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks life jacket loan stations at dozens of state parks and has more resources for water safety online. Many Denver-area and Colorado outdoor gear stores also offer life jacket rentals.
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