PALM BAY, FL – A tragic incident unfolded in Palm Bay over the weekend when a three-year-old boy drowned in a hotel pool, leading to the arrest of his father. Authorities confirmed that the father, identified as 40-year-old Sheriff Smith, was charged with aggravated manslaughter following the child’s death at a hospital in Orlando.
The harrowing event occurred at the Quality Inn on Palm Bay Road. Police and paramedics responded to reports of a child drowning, where they discovered the young boy unresponsive in the pool. Surveillance footage revealed that the child had been in the water for approximately 20 to 23 minutes before being noticed.
A housekeeper, who was cleaning a room on the third floor, spotted the boy floating and attempted to intervene. She described the child as lifeless, with foam coming from his nose, and tried to resuscitate him despite not knowing CPR. Her efforts to alert Smith, who was asleep nearby, were met with no immediate response.
Witnesses reported that Smith, upon waking, reacted with anger and failed to provide assistance as the housekeeper pleaded for help. Emergency services arrived and transported the child to the hospital, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Smith was initially charged with child neglect, but the charges were upgraded following the child’s death. He appeared in court, where a judge denied bail. Police noted that Smith did not provide an explanation for his behavior at the pool and was uncooperative.
The child’s mother, who was in Florida for a work-related visit, was informed of the incident and rushed to the hospital. She had left the hotel about an hour before the emergency call was made. The family was visiting from Georgia, where Smith reportedly has an outstanding warrant for a DUI.
The Quality Inn staff expressed sorrow over the incident, commending the housekeeper’s quick response despite the tragic outcome. The case has left the community in shock, raising questions about parental responsibility and safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant around water to prevent such tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of neglect and the importance of ensuring children’s safety at all times.