Boy Dies Days After Doing Common Activity

A 4-year-old boy from Texas City, Texas, died from what’s known as “dry drowning” after swimming at a local levee.

Francisco Delgado III reportedly began showing strange symptoms after swimming at Texas City Dike over Memorial Day weekend, but his parents didn’t initially think anything of it. The boy first complained of an upset stomach not long after swimming, and later seemed to get better. 

But suddenly, the boy began complaining of shoulder pain and later woke up out of his sleep. 

“Out of nowhere, he just woke up. He said ahhh,” the boy’s father, Francisco Delgado, Jr., told KTRK. “He took his last breath and I didn’t know what to do no more.”

Francisco’s mother, Tara, said emergency responders tried to save him but were unsuccessful.

“I walked in. I could see him lying there. They were still working on him. I’m screaming. Let me just touch my baby. Maybe he needs his mama’s touch,” she said. A doctor then revealed the likely cause of death. 

“When she came in, she told us it’s what’s called dry drowning. His lungs were full of fluid. There was nothing else they could do for him,” Tara said. 

The family created a GoFundMe page to help pay for their son’s funeral.

The official cause of death is pending an autopsy.

Dr. Kay Leaming-Van Zandt, who was not connected to the boy’s case, spoke to KTRK about the dangers of drowning, which can occur in as little as several inches of water.

“Some children will have symptoms soon after the drowning occurs. Some children will have symptoms later on. They may seem fine. They develop respiratory issues hours after the event,” Leaming-Van Zandt said.

“It only takes a split second. Drowning is silent. It’s not similar to what you see in the movies where there is a lot of commotion.”

Many readers expressed sadness over the story, and offered their condolences to the family.

“Heartbreaking,” one Mad World News reader commented on the site’s Facebook page. “My sympathy for the family, they are living a parent’s worst nightmare.”

“So sorry for your loss,” another added. “Prayers for his family and friends.”

Others called on parents nationwide to be aware of the dangers of dry drowning.

“Parents, grandparents this is worth reading, have you heard of ‘dry drowning?'” one reader wondered. “With summer swimming and other times kids swim, you should be aware of this!!!”

“I share this type of story every summer,” another added. “I had never heard of this until recent years, and feel it’s important that all water lovers know what to watch for.” 

Sources: KTRK, Mad World News/Facebook / Photo credit: Max Pixel