A 4-year-old boy who died after a drowning incident last week at a neighborhood pool in Evans has been identified as Harang Jeon of South Korea, according to Columbia County Coroner Terry Norman.
Emergency services responded to the scene around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, after receiving a report of a possible drowning. Jeon was initially transported to Doctor’s Hospital of Augusta and later transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where he died at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, July 19.
Following an investigation, Norman confirmed that Jeon’s cause of death was anoxic brain injury due to drowning. The manner of death has been ruled accidental, and no foul play is suspected, the coroner said.
Harang was with his mother as they were visiting family in Georgia. The boy apparently wandered away during a party and ended up in the pool during a crowded gathering at the Magnolia Plantation community swimming pool on Sunflower Drive in Evans.
“This is a tragic accident, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” Norman said in a statement.
The coroner also took the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of water safety, particularly when young children are involved.
The child’s next of kin has been notified.
