4-year-old Texas boy who saved drowning girl dies

Witnesses say Xander Vento, 4, held a young girl's head above water to prevent her from drowning. / Cook Children's Health Care Systems

(CBS News) A 4-year-old Texas boy has died after witnesses say he saved a 3-year-old girl from drowning in a neighborhood pool.

A spokeswoman for Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas told the Star-Telegram that Xander Vento died on Friday afternoon at the hospital.

"We in some way hope our son's life serves as an inspiration," his parents, Cris and Misty Vento, said in a statement to CBS News after their decision to remove him off life support yesterday. "He was the angel in the pool who sacrificed himself to save another. And now he continues to give as an organ donor. We were blessed to have such a kind and caring boy as Xander who set an example for all of us and even now he will be saving lives by giving of himself."

Xander had been in a coma and hospitalized since a possible diving accident on Monday afternoon, CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported.

CBS Dallas-Fort Worth that witnesses said Xander and a 3-year-old girl began drowning in a North Texas neighborhood pool. Xander held the girl's head above water until someone came to rescue them. Police added the Star-Telegram that he got under the girl to help her stay afloat but began to have difficulties himself. An off-duty nurse was in the area and began to perform CPR on Xander, who was unresponsive.

The girl was never unconscious, but she did swallow water, CBS Dallas-Fort Worth noted. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance and was reported to be responsive and talking right after the incident.

Xander's parents added in their statement that they were appreciative of all the prayers and support for their family at this difficult time.

[laurac72]

The parents were RIGHT THERE. They were being supervised. The little girl's mom jumped in pretty much immediately, and THREW her daughter out of the pool. By then, the little boy had swallowed water and was unconscious. The girl's mom grabbed him and got him out, too. It all happened very fast; this was not a case of the kids struggling for a while and no one noticing. He was out of the pool quickly, but had inhaled water and suffered brain damage. This was an ACCIDENT that could have happened to any of us with small children, especially when you have several of them at the pool.

[tcarrick13]

Precious Angel

[Catch22NJ]

I can't imagine the grief. Sad.

[Snow1968]

Totally agree!! Where were the parents?? The circumstances don't really matter.....children that young need constant supervision. What a sad story. This little boy should of never had to go through this.....deffinately an Angel.

[eyeswideopen88]

This little boy is the best example of what America is supposed to be all about. The older,and stronger helping the younger and weaker. Kudos to those parents who instilled ethics and caring in a child so young. That truly was a hero beyond belief!!! Jesus was smiling! Finally a true Christian. My prayers are with the entire family, and the survivors family.

[netjunkie1]

Life is the most important treasure in the universe.
My Condolences and respects to the young hero's family.
Xander Vento died saving life. I cant think of anything more worthy to die for....
RIP Xander

[nohater]

where were the parents of these two small children? why were children that young allowed near or in the pool by themselves? it seems like those parents should be charged with child endangerment, child neglect, child abuse, something. these parents should be arrested. this news story does not tell where the parents were while these two children were near drowning. one died. where were xander's parents at the time of the drowning?

[k9d9r]

I concur

[fbgirl]

In my opinion, it would be harsh punishment to live with the memory of the loss of a child's life for both families than any court could ever give.

[wlhoppers]

God bless this brave little boy and keep him safe in heaven. What a wonderful little soul. I'm so sorry for his family. Their statement reflects a caring, thoughtful family who, while even in their time of great sorrow, can see something good in this. No wonder Xander was so remarkable.

[Jaylah54200]

How amazing that Xander not only saved the life of the girl, but is also continuing to save lives with his organ donations.

Making the decision to allow organ donation is never easy, but how much harder must it be when it is your four-year old child. As they say, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" and I think we have a greater understanding, now, of why Xander risked his own life to save his friends.

[wlhoppers]

Beautifully said.

[ugleyme]

You have given beautiful support.

[jwolfe2010]

My thoughts and prayers are with the families.