COLONY, KS – The small, rural community of Colony in Anderson County is grieving the loss of a juvenile who died in a drowning incident Sunday evening.
According to a statement released by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a missing juvenile call shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The juvenile was located in a nearby pond.
Responding deputies immediately rendered aid until Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived to take over care. The child was then transported to Anderson County Hospital. Despite “extraordinary measures” by all those involved, the child was pronounced dead.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has not released any further details regarding the victim.
Crest USD 479, the local school district, issued a statement addressing the tragic event. “Our school family is dealing with a tragic loss today,” the statement read. “Please know that our staff is paying close attention to the needs of our students. We have extra support in our buildings. We respect the privacy of our families during this time of grieving and will do our very best to help provide support where needed.”
The district encouraged parents with concerns about their students to contact the school office. “Prayers to the family, our students, and our staff,” the statement concluded.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department received assistance from Colony Rural Fire, Garnett Rural Fire, Welda Rural Fire, Anderson County EMS, and the Garnett Police Department during the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning is ongoing.
