April 24, 2024 - Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office officials report on Monday evening a 911 call was received regarding a missing 2-year-old boy in Denair. Within five minutes of the call the child was located in a nearby canal by family and friends. CPR was performed and the boy was transported to a local hospital where, sadly, he was pronounced deceased hours later.

On Monday April, 22, 2024, at 6:20 p.m. deputies responded to the 4300 block Swanson Road in Denair for the report of a missing boy. While on their way to the call, family and friends who were on the property began searching. Before first responders could arrive, the child was located in the water filled canal about half a mile away from the residence. They immediately recovered him and went to the roadway to await medical assistance and began performing CPR.

Within just a few minutes, medical personnel arrived and took over life-saving measures until the boy was transported to a local hospital. Despite the hospital staff’s best efforts, the child remained in critical condition for several hours and ultimately passed away at 10:34 p.m.

Given the circumstances, the Major Crimes Unit and Special Victims Unit was dispatched and took over the investigation. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon and found there was water in the boy’s lungs. Toxicology results are pending, but the apparent cause of death is that the child drowned.

Though current evidence suggests this to be a tragic accident, law enforcement will complete a thorough investigation. Family has and continues to cooperate with investigators.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young boy during this time.


Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office