California: Authorities Identify 2 Toddlers Who Died After Drowning in a Daycare's Backyard Pool

Two California toddlers who tragically fell into a pool at a San Jose daycare and drowned have been identified as Payton Cobb, aged 1, from Hollister, and Lillian Hanan, aged 1, from San Jose, according to KRON 4.

This heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday, resulting in the loss of these young lives, as confirmed by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's Office. A third child who was also involved in the incident survived.

The San Jose Police Department is investigating how these children could access the backyard pool of Happy Happy Daycare on Fleetwood Drive, apparently without the daycare workers noticing or intervening.

The police were alerted to the situation after a welfare check was requested at the daycare. However, details about the initial call and how the children accessed the pool have not been disclosed, per ABC 7.

Homicide detectives are collaborating with the Department of Family and Children's Services to investigate the case.

While charges have not been filed, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office has confirmed that they are reviewing the matter.

California Daycare Received Several Infractions Over the Past Year

Happy Happy Home Daycare operates under the California Department of Social Services license as a small family childcare home, permitting the care of up to eight children at a time, or four if they are all under the age of 2.

The daycare has faced multiple citations from state regulators over the past year, including issues related to documenting checks on sleeping children and simultaneously having too many infants in the house.

However, records indicate that the daycare promptly addressed the issues identified by state regulators, according to Mercury News.

Notably, during an inspection in January, state officials verified that the property's pool complied with all of California's requirements, with a five-foot-tall fence enclosing the area, constructed from a "hard mesh" material allowing visibility into the pool area and equipped with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

Community Grieves Over 2 California Toddlers' Death

The heart-wrenching incident has deeply affected the community, evoking profound sorrow and anger.

Nadina Riggsbee, the Founder of the Drowning Prevention Foundation, expressed her dismay, emphasizing that the loss of three young lives simultaneously is entirely unacceptable.

She questioned the whereabouts of the parents and caregivers, highlighting the critical need for constant vigilance when children are near any body of water.

Riggsbee underscored that parents should always be present and attentive, emphasizing the importance of a hands-on and watchful approach to ensure child safety.

Local resident Chuеy Anima, who lives near the daycare, shared the profound grief that has enveloped the community.

He expressed the deep impact the incident has had on him, noting that he witnesses children being dropped off and picked up daily. The tragedy has left a lasting mark on his heart.

In the aftermath of this devastating incident at Happy Happy Home Daycare in San Jose, the entire community is mourning and seeking answers.

The tragic loss of two young lives serves as a stark reminder of the unwavering need for vigilance and stringent safety measures around water bodies, particularly concerning the well-being of children, Essentially Sports noted.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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