OTTAWA, Kan. – Police are investigating the death of a 10-year-old boy, who was discovered unresponsive in an area swimming pool after hours.
Around 9:30 p.m. Saturday police responded to a report of a missing 10-year-old boy at Great Life Golf & Fitness, located at 1001 E. Logan Street. Police later identified the boy as Devon Lee Rice of Ottawa. Witnesses said the Rice arrived at the facility with a family member, and then went swimming at the pool, along with other children, without that family member present.
Once it was realized that Devon was missing, witness in the area told police they had last seen Devon walking away from the facility, so search efforts began in that area. However when search parties were still unable to find Devon, they began scouring other parts of the facility where Devon had previously been seen. It was at that point, first responders located him submerged in about five and half feet of water in the outdoor swimming pool.
Devon was unresponsive when he was located and pulled from the water by a Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy. CPR efforts were immediately administered and continued as Devon was transported to Ransom Memorial Hospital by Franklin County EMS, however the life-saving efforts concluded around 11:30 p.m. when he was pronounced dead.
A family friend told FOX 4, Devon and her son were friends and played video games together. She said Devon was at the pool Saturday with his uncle.
According to a family friend, the little boy’s mother needs help paying for her son’s funeral. A GoFundMe.com page has been set up.
Anyone who may have been at the facility during the course of this event, but at the time did not speak with police officers is asked to contact Detective Steven Burkhart at 785-242-2561 x 430.
