Martin County Child Drowns

PILGRIM — A 3-year-old child died Wednesday after gaining access to an above-ground swimming pool outside a home on South Wolf Creek in Martin County, authorities said.

Funeral services for Wyatt Kent “Bubba” Jarrell, has been released by the Crum Funeral Home in Inez and were held on Tuesday, July 8, at the Buck Branch Church. He was the son of Willis Kent Jr. and Mahalia Howard Jarrell of Pilgrim. He is survived by a sister, Willow Anslee Jarrell.

Chief Deputy Chris Kidd of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m., July 2.

The child is believed to have exited the home and entered the pool unnoticed. Family members discovered him in the water and immediately began lifesaving efforts while awaiting emergency medical services, Kidd said.

EMS personnel continued resuscitation efforts at the scene and enroute to Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, with Kidd escorting the ambulance to prevent any traffic delays.

Once at the hospital medical staff worked for approximately 30 minutes or more in a final attempt to revive the child but were unsuccessful.

Martin County Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Kidd

“We ask the community to do what Martin County always does in tragic events like this—wrap our arms around the family and remember them in our thoughts and prayers,” Kidd said in an emotional statement. “Also remember the first responders: the ambulance drivers, the paramedics and the hospital workers—all the nurses and doctors who worked so diligently.”

Kidd, visibly affected, added, “You think you’re prepared for events like this, but there is nothing that can ever prepare you for a child. When a child that young is involved, it’s very traumatic, even for me as the investigating officer on the matter.”

The case remains under investigation, though authorities indicated the drowning appears to be a heartbreaking accident.