Volusia County Sheriff's Office deputies say a 2-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool at a home in Deltona on Wednesday afternoon.
- Toddler drowns in swimming pool, deputies say
- Friends say vigil for Colynn will be held on Saturday
- DCF opens child death investigation
Deputies responded to the incident at 2066 Dalton Ave. The boy, Colynn Mertz, was unresponsive after being removed from the swimming pool.
"Next thing you know ... he’s laying face down in the pool. [My daughter] runs to the pool, busted her hip on the wall to try to save him," said Robert Church, Colynn's grandfather.
First responders tried to revive the Colynn, but it was too late.
Church said all the doors were locked at the time, but they believe he got out through a temporary window screen damaged from the hurricane.
Church said neither the house nor the pool were in good condition. He said the water is green and in bad shape. He’s spoken to code enforcement about the pool and the house, and that something has to be done soon.
"Collin was a good kid. I loved him to death," he said.
Today neighbors were in tears as they dropped off toys and balloons at the home.
Kiana Rivera said she used to babysit the toddler for months.
"He was a very sweet little boy. He was very quiet. He had a lot of energy. He was just the sweetest kid ever," said Rivera.
He said the couple really loved Colynn and were good parents. There are two other children who live with the couple.
"My daughter loved him. His father lived for him," said Church.
But like everyone else, he has questions.
"What was she doing? How did he get out of the house? I have the same questions, I see this happening on TV, and first thing pops in my mind when a child drowns is 'where are the parents?' until it happens to you," Church said.
Friends say they’ll hold a vigil for Colynn on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The grandfather said his daughter and her husband have two other children in the home and are expecting.
DCF also issued this statement: "We are devastated by the loss of this child and will support the family in any way possible as they grieve this tragedy. The department has opened a child death investigation and details remain confidential per section 39.202, Florida Statutes. The surviving siblings are in the care of relatives."
Volusia County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the incident.