STUART, FL — A quiet Saturday evening in Stuart turned heartbreaking after a 5-year-old boy drowned in a neighbor’s pool, despite urgent efforts to save him. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to the devastating incident on SE Hawthorne Street just before 8 p.m., after receiving a 911 call about a child in distress.
Authorities say the young boy had slipped out of his home while his mother was tending to another child. In a matter of moments, he made his way into the neighboring yard and entered the pool. By the time he was found, it was tragically too late.
Paramedics rushed the boy to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek addressed the press somberly Saturday night, calling the incident “an unimaginable tragedy” and urging families to take extra precautions.
“Make sure your pools are secure,” Sheriff Budensiek said. “Don’t take for granted that your child knows how to swim. Don’t assume flotation devices are enough. We must work together to prevent this kind of loss.”
The drowning is currently being ruled as an accident, and no foul play is suspected. Investigators are continuing to gather details, but officials emphasized that this is a reminder of how quickly danger can unfold — even in familiar and seemingly safe surroundings.
A Community in Mourning
Neighbors who spoke to reporters described the little boy as playful, sweet, and full of energy.
“He had this smile that just made you stop and laugh,” said one neighbor, visibly shaken. “It’s so hard to believe he’s gone.”
Grief counselors have been made available to the family, who are said to be devastated. A small memorial with flowers, candles, and children’s toys has begun to grow near the home.
Safety Reminders
In the wake of the tragedy, the sheriff’s office and local safety officials are reminding residents of the importance of pool safety:
Install self-locking gates and alarms around pools
Never leave children unattended, even for a moment
Enroll children in swim lessons at an early age
Use pool covers and remove toys that may attract kids
While no words can undo the heartbreak, the community is rallying in support of the grieving family. A vigil is expected to be held in the coming days.
If you’d like to donate to support the family or assist with funeral costs, local churches and the Stuart Community Foundation have begun collecting donations.
This heartbreaking loss serves as a painful reminder: tragedy can strike in an instant, and every precaution matters. Let us honor this young life by making sure it never happens again.