Missing toddler dies after being found in retention pond, Sanford police say

SANFORD, Fla. – A 2‑year‑old died Saturday night after Sanford police found the toddler unresponsive in a retention pond near the Windchase Apartments, according to police.

Police said they were called to the complex shortly after 10 p.m. on a report of a missing child. During their search, officers located the toddler in the pond, not breathing and unresponsive. Police said officers immediately began lifesaving measures before Sanford Fire Department crews transported the child to a nearby hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

According to Sanford police, the initial findings indicate the child woke up and left the apartment after the family had gone to bed for the night.

No additional details were immediately released.