Toddler dead, grandmother in critical condition after "unspeakable tragedy" at Acton, Massachusetts pond
A toddler who was turning 2 years old next week died and his grandmother is in critical condition after what investigators described as an "unspeakable tragedy" at a pond in Acton, Massachusetts.
It happened around 1:30 p.m. at the Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area (NARA) on Ledge Rock Way.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said it appears that the young boy accidentally fell into the water, and his grandmother went in after him. Ryan did say that it is too early in the investigation to know for certain if that is what happened.
Someone who was running on a path in the park saw a 4-year-old and 6-year-old trying to get help. Those children were siblings of the young boy who later died.
Ryan said the grandmother was dropped off at the park with her three grandchildren by their children's parents. The group was not there to swim.
"Maybe that child, a fairly new walker, made some quick progress toward the water. We just don't know that," Ryan said.
Witnesses screamed across the body of water for help. The area where the two family members went into the water is not a designated swimming area. Across the pond it was the last day of summer camp. The calls for help got the attention of lifeguards, who rushed to help.
Ryan said it was difficult to get the child and grandmother out of the water because there are slippery rocks in the area. The water quickly goes to about 15 feet deep.
The child was taken by MedFlight to an area hospital, but later died. The grandmother was also taken by MedFlight and later transferred to a Boston hospital with life-threatening injuries. Their names have not been released.
As the incident unfolded, witnesses and lifeguards could be seen consoling each other.
"I really just want to ask the community just to support one another. That's what I can ask for right now," Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo said.
