Surprise police say 3-year-old girl drowned while mother was asleep

PHOENIX — Surprise police on Friday said a 3-year-old girl drowned earlier this week while her mother was asleep.

The drowning occurred just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday at a residence near 159th Drive and Cristo Avenue, the Surprise Police Department said in a press release.

The girl was found in the backyard pool unresponsive and taken to the hospital, where she died, authorities said.

Police said the girl and her mother were home alone at the time of the drowning and they usually take a nap during the day.

While the mother was asleep, police said the child went into the backyard and was able to access the pool as not all of the usual safeguards were in place.

An adult family member found the child when they returned home, authorities said, and it is not known how long the child was in the pool.

Surprise police said the case has been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, as is routine in these types of situations.

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