TRAGIC NEWS — Toddler Drowns in Pool at Petersburg Home on Young Street
PETERSBURG, VA — June 23, 2025 — The Petersburg community is reeling from a heartbreaking tragedy after a young child lost their life in a devastating drowning incident on Sunday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that a toddler passed away after being found unresponsive in a backyard swimming pool at a residence on Young Street.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 3:00 p.m. following a frantic 911 call from the child’s family, who discovered the toddler submerged in the pool. Despite valiant efforts from first responders and medical personnel who arrived within minutes, the child was later pronounced dead at Southside Regional Medical Center.
According to preliminary information from the Petersburg Police Department, the child—who was just two years old—had been playing outside under the supervision of relatives. Somehow, the toddler made their way to the pool area, and by the time the family realized the child was missing, it was tragically too late.
“The family is absolutely devastated,” said a spokesperson for the department. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our hearts go out to them in this incredibly difficult time.”
Investigators are continuing to gather details about how the incident occurred. Early findings suggest that the backyard pool was not equipped with a safety gate or cover at the time of the accident. However, police have stated that no foul play is suspected, and the event is being treated as a tragic accident.
Neighbors on Young Street described the scene as heartbreaking. Many witnessed emergency responders desperately attempting life-saving measures as the family looked on in anguish. Several community members brought flowers, stuffed animals, and candles to the property throughout the evening in a spontaneous show of support and mourning.
“This just shakes you to your core,” said Erica James, a mother of three who lives nearby. “We’re all hugging our kids a little tighter tonight. That sweet baby didn’t deserve this. It’s just so, so tragic.”
The identity of the child has not been publicly released pending family notification and time for grieving. Support services, including grief counseling, are reportedly being offered to the family through local agencies and faith organizations.
Petersburg Police and child safety advocates are using this devastating loss as a somber reminder of the importance of pool safety, especially in homes with young children. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the United States, and most incidents occur in residential pools.
Local safety officials are urging families with pools to take precautionary steps such as:
- Installing four-sided isolation fencing around pools
- Using self-latching, self-closing gates
- Keeping pool covers secured when not in use
- Supervising children at all times when outdoors
- Enrolling young children in swim and water safety classes
As the investigation continues, the Petersburg community is left grieving the loss of a life taken far too soon. A small vigil is being organized by residents and loved ones, who plan to gather later this week to honor the memory of the child and offer prayers of healing to the grieving family.
“This is something no family should have to go through,” said Reverend Marcus Taylor of a nearby church. “We will surround this family with love, prayer, and anything else they need in the days ahead.”
Authorities have not indicated whether any charges or citations will be issued, but they emphasize that their primary focus at this time is supporting the family through this unimaginable loss.
The tragedy on Young Street is a stark and sorrowful reminder that even moments of joy and play can turn into irreversible loss in the blink of an eye. The Petersburg community stands united in grief, offering their hearts to a family facing the unimaginable.
