6-year-old non-verbal child drowned in neighbor’s pool, police say

GRANGER, Ind. (WNDU/Gray News) - A 6-year-old boy died this past weekend after police said he drowned in a neighbor’s pool in Indiana.

Officers responded to a call at Conestoga Court in Granger around 8:30 p.m. Friday for reports of a missing 6-year-old child who was believed to be non-verbal and autistic.

About 20 minutes after police arrived, the child, identified as Joshua Nizigiyimana, was found unresponsive in a neighbor’s pool on nearby Lariat Lane.

Joshua was given CPR and taken to the hospital but sadly did not survive.

The St. Joseph County Police Department said Joshua’s death has been ruled as an accidental drowning.

“Our hearts are with the Nizigiyimana family as they endure an unimaginable loss,” says St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman. “We also extend our support to the neighbors, community members, our officers, and all first responders involved in this heartbreaking case.”

Horizon Elementary School said Joshua was a student there, so school officials have created a donation page to assist the family with funeral expenses, meals and other immediate needs.