By Belize Live News Staff: A Punta Gorda family is mourning the death of a three-year-old boy who was found drowned near the seafront on Front Street on Sunday afternoon.
The child has been identified as three-year-old Asher Mejia. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Punta Gorda Hospital shortly on Sunday afternoon.
Reports indicate that the ordeal began around 11:00 a.m. when Asher’s mother, Martina Mejia, sent one of her older sons to make a purchase nearby. During that time, the toddler reportedly wandered outside.
The family initially did not realize that the child had left the yard. However, when the older sibling returned and Asher could not be found, the family began a frantic search for him.
Family members searched the surrounding area before heading to the Punta Gorda Police Station to seek assistance.
The search came to a tragic end near the wharf across from St. Peter Claver School.
According to investigators, a truck driver from Big Falls Village who had just arrived at the wharf was approached by three young men asking if he had seen a small child. Moments later, one of the young men—identified as one of Asher’s older brothers—spotted the toddler unresponsive in the water.
Bystanders quickly pulled the child from the water and attempted to save him.
Police were immediately called and officers rushed to the scene. Despite efforts by those present and first responders to revive the child, he was transported to the Punta Gorda Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:19 p.m.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.
