NEED TO KNOW
- Pennsylvania authorities have launched an investigation after a 2-year-old girl drowned in a pool this week
- First responders took the girl to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead
- In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, an Allegheny County Police Department spokesperson said it appears to have been an accident based on preliminary information
Authorities are investigating after a 2-year-old Pennsylvania girl drowned in a pool earlier this week.
The incident occurred on Thursday, June 19, an Allegheny County Police Department spokesperson said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. The department responded to a request for help in East Pittsburgh shortly after 1:04 p.m. local time, when authorities were notified about a 2-year-old girl who was found unresponsive and not breathing.
At the scene, first responders “found a 2-year-old female victim who had drowned in a pool,” the spokesperson said, noting that she was then taken to a local hospital and pronounced deceased.
CBS affiliate KDKA-TV reported the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office has identified the girl as Kehlani Russell.
The Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Police have launched an investigation into the child’s death, according to the police spokesperson. Based on preliminary information, the drowning appears to be accidental.
“My message to the community is prayers for this family right now,” Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Chief Derrick Turner told KDKA-TV. “This is a tragic, tragic event.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the County Police Tip Line 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
