Twin sisters, 5, die after being pulled from Kissimmee vacation home pool, authorities say
Twin girls from Georgia die after being pulled from vacation home pool
Twin 5-year-old girls from Georgia died Friday after they were found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a vacation rental home in Kissimmee, authorities said.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Editor's note: The Osceola County Sheriff's Office initially reported that both children were boys, but later corrected that information. The victims were twin girls.
Twin 5-year-old girls from Georgia died Friday after they were found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a vacation rental home in Kissimmee, authorities said.
The girls were discovered shortly before 11 a.m. at a home where two families were staying while visiting Central Florida, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.
The twins were transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where both were pronounced dead.
Twins discovered unresponsive by another child
What we know:
Investigators said the families arrived from Georgia early Friday morning after a long trip. Family members told detectives they spent time in the pool before going to sleep. Hours later, while some adults left to buy groceries, authorities believe the girls somehow made their way back outside.
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The children were found in the pool by another child staying at the home. Deputies said the girls were unresponsive when emergency crews removed them from the water.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said homicide detectives are investigating the drowning, which is standard procedure in child death cases. No charges have been filed.
‘Pool safety has to be a top priority’
What they're saying:
Osceola County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kim Montes called the situation "horrific" and a "tragedy."
"The adults in this house traveled to the grocery store to purchase items for their trip here," Montes explained. "A 15-year-old was the oldest child there, and there were several other kids there."
Sheriff's officials are urging families to prioritize pool safety and maintain constant supervision of children around water, especially during summer travel and vacation stays.
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"Whether you are a resident here, pool safety has to be a top priority and eyes on those kids are the first thing," said Osceola County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kim Montes.
Investigators examine pool fencing
What we don't know:
Authorities have not said how long the girls were in the pool. Investigators are also examining whether a fence surrounding the pool was properly secured at the time of the incident.
What's next:
The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office will determine the girls' cause and manner of death.
The Source: This story was written with information released by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.