Boy Drowns in Harvard Detention Pond

Press releases from the Harvard Police Department and McHenry County Coroner Dr. Anne Majewski:

Death

On Monday, July 08, 2013 at about 1928 hrs, Harvard Police responded to a retention pond located north of 9th St. near Apple Valley RD. for a report of children yelling in the area.

Detention pond near Apple Valley Road, Google Satellite photo.

Detention pond near Apple Valley Road, Google Satellite photo.

Harvard Police requested that Harvard Rescue also respond to the area.

On Police arrival two male Harvard Residents were observed in the retention pond.

One was hanging on a partially submerged canoe and the other was exiting the retention pond.

It was reported at this time that a Harvard Youth (M/12 yoa) had gone under water and not surfaced.

Harvard Police requested dive crews from Harvard Rescue.

Investigation revealed three male Harvard Youths ages, two 12 yoa and one 10 yoa had been fishing in the retention pond for approximately three hours.

At about this time it was reported that all three Youth’s leaned over one side of the canoe at the same time causing the canoe to capsize.

The 10 yoa Youth and one of the 12 yoa Youths attempted to assist the third 12 yoa Youth who was thrashing and panicking in the water, but were unable to do so.

The 10 and 12 yoa Youth were able to swim to shore and summon assistance.

The two male Harvard Residents initially seen in the retention pond by responding Officers were trying to assist the third 12 yoa Youth.

It was reported that flotation devices were not present in the canoe.

Rescue dive teams responded to the scene and were successful in recovering the 12 yoa Youth at about 2020 hrs.

The Youth was transported to Harvard Mercy Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

The McHenry County Coroner’s office responded and an autopsy is scheduled later today.

Coroner’s Statement

The McHenry County Coroner, Dr. Anne Majewski, announced that her office is investigating the death of a 12 year old Harvard boy which occurred last evening, July 8, 2013.

The young male victim was canoeing on a retention pond at 811 Apple Valley Road in Harvard, Illinois, when the canoe apparently capsized and the 3 male occupants fell into the water.

Calls for help alerted a nearby uncle who attempted to rescue the young male victim who was initially noted to be flailing in the water immediately after the canoe overturned, but subsequently went under.

Multiple fire and rescue units were called to assist.

The other two young males were able to get to shore.

The dive team found the victim’s body in 15-20 feet of water, 125 feet from shore at 2031.

Immediate resuscitative efforts ensued and the young victim was transferred to Harvard Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced at 2046.

The coroner’s investigator noted no evidence of external trauma to the body of the victim.

An autopsy will be performed this morning.


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