The following is a news release from the Toms River, New Jersey police department:
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of an 11 year old child. On June 17th at 8:12 pm a 911 call was placed reporting the possible electrocution of a young girl. Within minutes Police and Toms River EMS units arrived at 45 Tobago Avenue and took over CPR that was begun by adults who were at the home.
The first responders utilized an Automated External Defibrillator, AED, and transported the child to Community Medical Center in Toms River where she passed away later in the evening.
The incident is under investigation by Toms River Police Detectives Louis Santora and James Carey. Also participating are Ocean County Prosecutors Office Detective Woodfield and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department C.S.I. Sergeant Deleeuw and Officer Menke. Initial reports are that the child and her 2 friends were using an inflatable raft and swimming in the lagoon behind the home.
The girls were wearing lifejackets and in the presence of adults. Two of the girls touched the rail to a metal boat lift and electric current appears to have energized the equipment causing the injury.
The child is a resident of Newark NJ and was visiting friends at the Tobago Avenue address. The two other juvenile girls that accompanied her were evaluated at the scene and determined to not be injured.
