On Sunday, May 5, 2024, tragedy struck in Wichita, Kansas, when a 2-year-old boy drowned in the pool at the Willows Apartments in the 4800 block of East Harry. According to the Wichita Police Department, emergency crews responded to reports of a possible drowning shortly after 4:00 p.m. When officers arrived, the toddler had already been pulled from the water by a bystander and was receiving CPR from first responders.
Authorities stated that a resident of the apartment complex discovered the child floating in the pool and immediately alerted others for help. Responding officers and EMS provided emergency care and transported the child to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Wichita Police Department confirmed that they are conducting a full investigation into the drowning. Early reports did not confirm whether the child gained access to the pool unsupervised or if any responsible adult was present at the time. Officials also have not yet indicated whether the pool area was properly secured or if safety violations occurred. Autopsy results and further interviews are expected to provide additional information.
In Kansas, property owners—including apartment complex operators—are required to adhere to safety regulations for pools, including fencing, self-latching gates, and warning signage. If these measures are not implemented or maintained, the property owner can be held liable under the state's premises liability laws. Tragic incidents like this one often prompt further scrutiny of whether appropriate safety precautions were taken.
For families facing the unimaginable loss of a child in a pool drowning, legal action may be an option. A wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial relief for medical bills, funeral costs, emotional suffering, and long-term grief. These lawsuits also help expose failures in pool safety, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future.
Michael Haggard, Esq., managing Kansas pool drowning attorney of The Haggard Law Firm, is a nationally recognized pool drowning attorney who has advocated for families affected by similar tragedies across the country.
“The death of a young child in a pool is always a preventable tragedy when basic safety measures are ignored. Whether it's lack of fencing, failure to monitor access, or negligence in supervising children, we must hold individuals and property owners accountable. Legal action is not only about compensation—it’s about protecting future lives.”
The Haggard Law Firm is committed to representing families who have suffered from pool drownings, including cases involving toddlers and young children. With decades of experience and a record of significant verdicts, the firm provides compassionate, aggressive representation to seek justice and drive change in pool safety standards.
If your family has experienced a pool-related tragedy in Kansas, contact Michael Haggard, Esq. for a free legal consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and determine whether the apartment complex or other parties may be held legally responsible. We are here to help you find answers and take the first step toward justice and accountability.
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