Toddler drowns in pond

A 17-month-old boy drowned Monday afternoon in Windsor after falling into a goldfish pond while he was visiting his grandparents, according to preliminary findings by the Aiken County Coroner's Office.

Timothy Rogers was pronounced dead at Aiken Regional Medical Centers about 1 p.m., said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

The child was with other children and his grandparents in the front yard at the Aiken County home around noon when the boy and his 7-year-old cousin went into the backyard to get food for goats that the family sells.

There were other adults inside the home, Carlton added.

The children, once they went into the backyard, could not be seen from the front yard, and a truck parked at the home may have been blocking the grandparents' view, Carlton explained.

After a brief period of time, the 7-year-old girl reportedly returned alone, and the family, including several adults, began searching for Timothy.

He was gone about 15 minutes, when his grandmother discovered him lying face down in a goldfish pond.

He was in about 16 inches of water, said Carlton.

Large rocks bordered the pond, and that may have prevented the adults from seeing where the child fell, he said.

The family called 911, and the boy was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Carlton said there is no foul play suspected, adding that the child's death appears to be a "tragic accident."

"Our prayers go out to this family," he added.

The boy's body will be taken to Newberry for an autopsy today.

Carlton said he expects the child's death will be officially ruled an accidental drowning.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.