close
close
Local

Missing 4-year-old Alabama boy found dead in swimming pool

A 4-year-old boy reported missing from Alabama was found dead in a swimming pool, authorities said.

The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 15, that the boy went missing near the area of ​​Cleburne County Road 49 and County Road 111 just before 6 p.m. local time .

Chief Barry Nolen of the Ranburne Police Department confirmed on Facebook around 10:30 p.m. Saturday that the boy had been found dead. “I would also like to ask everyone to keep the family in your prayers,” Nolan wrote.

Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs confirmed the child's identity in a statement to PEOPLE.

“I can confirm the death of DJ Jarrell. A 4 year old child from Ranburne Al. He was found in a swimming pool in the backyard of his family home,” Downs said.

Authorities have not released any additional information at this time, including how the boy left the home unnoticed.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Downs previously told AL.com that DJ “ran away” from his home and was found in the pool after a nearly two-hour search.

The coroner told the outlet that the boy's family is urging other families with young children to be careful if they have a swimming pool.

“Please make sure they keep the gates locked and secure where a child cannot get into that pool,” Downs said.

He noted that authorities didn't spot the boy in the pool at first because the water was “very murky.”

DJ's drowning came just days after 5-year-old Kyrie Jefferson drowned in an apartment pool in Opelika, Alabama, ABC affiliate WTVM reported.

Related Articles

Back to top button