Overview
- A bystander spotted the 5-year-old in the park pond on Saturday, lifeguards pulled the child from the water and began CPR, and the child was later taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
- Multiple local agencies responded to the scene, including Minnetrista police, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol, Three Rivers police, St. Bonifacius Fire Department and Ridgeview EMS.
- The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has declared the case an active investigation, has not released the child’s name or details about how the drowning occurred, and officials have offered condolences to the family.
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park is a popular summer destination that typically staffs lifeguards, a fact reporters note as officials review safety and response actions from the rescue.
- The incident could prompt local review of water safety practices and public reminders about supervising young children near ponds and lakes while investigators determine the facts.