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Belle Isle (file photo)
A family reunion on Belle Isle on a warm Sunday evening turned tragic when a 6-year-old boy wandered away and drowned in the Detroit River.
Michigan State Police said the reunion was at Belle Isle Shelter #2 near the Detroit River, which feeds into the park's Lake Tacoma.
Children were playing inside a bounce house when the Detroit boy, who was autistic, wandered away from the other kids, police said. The family searched for him and then called 911 around 7:20 p.m.
About 30 minutes later, the child was found in the river by another child and an adult near Shelter #2, police said.
Conservation officers and DNR park rangers were first on the scene, and CPR and rescue breathing began promptly, police said.
The child was taken to Children’s Hospital by EMS with a trooper escort, where he was pronounced dead.
“Our hearts go out to this little boy’s family and also the first responders and community members on scene who did everything they could to try and save this child’s life,” said State Police Lt. Mike Shaw in a statement. “Unfortunately, we have seen several drownings in Michigan this year. A drowning can happen quickly and quietly and is often not how it’s portrayed on TV.
"Keep a close eye on your kids and people who can’t swim, wear life jackets when boating or if you are a poor swimmer, and be careful with alcohol consumption.”
