Toddler tragically drowns in garden swimming pool during sister’s birthday celebration
A devastating incident occurred in the hamlet of Sant’Antonio, in Modena Province, Italy, where a two-year-old boy, Francesco Pioppi, drowned in a garden swimming pool. The pool had been set up for his sister’s birthday party, and the toddler sneaked out of the house unnoticed by his parents. It is believed that Francesco crawled out to retrieve a toy from the water and tragically lost his life in the 3.2ft depth of the pool.
Francesco’s father, Patrik Pioppi, discovered his son’s lifeless body when he went to check the pool’s water system. Despite his efforts to revive him, Francesco could not be saved. A neighbor, who happened to be a doctor, also tried to help, but the young boy was declared dead shortly after being airlifted to Modena Polyclinic hospital.
The incident took place around 10pm on July 3, while Francesco’s mother was at home and his father was engaged in a conversation with their gardener. A neighbor recounted hearing screams as the toddler fell into the pool, which had been set up for his sister’s birthday celebration just two days prior to the tragedy.
Patrik Pioppi expressed his anguish, stating, “All this must have happened while I was talking to the gardener. Once I got home, I headed towards the pool because I wanted to check the water recirculation pump. I saw my son floating. I dived to retrieve him, but it was too late.”
The heartbroken father took to social media to pay tribute to his son, sharing a heartfelt message. He wrote, “I want to remember you forever like this. Smiling, happy, and with an immense desire to live. You hugged me and held me tightly, telling me that you loved me so much. I would have given and done everything for you, my love. Losing you has completely destroyed me. I miss you so much.”
The small hamlet of Sant’Antonio, with a population of just 500 people, has come together to support the grieving family. Locals have been leaving flowers at the gates of their home as a gesture of sympathy and solidarity.
Italian police are currently investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding Francesco’s tragic death. The authorities will carefully examine the pool’s safety measures and assess whether any negligence contributed to the accident.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of constant vigilance when it comes to the safety of young children, particularly around bodies of water. Parents and caregivers must remain attentive and take all necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies from occurring.