Washington
Boy, 5, dies after being pulled from Anacostia River
A 5-year-old boy died after being pulled from the Anacostia River in Southeast D.C. Thursday evening.
About 6:20 p.m., first responders found the boy unconscious at Anacostia Park after family members and another person retrieved him from the river, a Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said.
D.C. Fire and EMS took life-saving measures, and the boy was flown to a hospital by a U.S. Park Police helicopter, but he was pronounced dead, police said.
Witnesses told News4 a man they believe was the child’s father then rushed to the hospital.
It appears to be an accidental drowning, police said.
The scene was within sight of picnic pavilions filled with people grilling food and enjoying the warm spring evening.
Police interviewed witnesses and people who tried to help.
Swimming in the Anacostia is prohibited.
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