7-Year-Old Ian Pequignot Tragically Drowns While Snorkeling in Private Pool in Morgan Township, Ohio

7-Year-Old Ian Pequignot Tragically Drowns While Snorkeling in Private Pool in Morgan Township, Ohio

MORGAN TOWNSHIP, OH — A heartbreaking tragedy has sent waves of grief through the Morgan Township community after 7-year-old Ian Pequignot lost his life in a devastating drowning incident on Wednesday afternoon. The young boy was snorkeling in a private residential pool when the incident occurred, leaving family, friends, and the wider community reeling from the sudden and unimaginable loss.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to a home in Morgan Township shortly after 3:00 p.m. following reports of a child unresponsive in a swimming pool. When first responders arrived, they found the child had already been pulled from the water. CPR was being administered by an adult on the scene.

Paramedics continued life-saving measures before transporting Ian to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite their best efforts, the 7-year-old was later pronounced deceased.

A Day That Turned Tragic

Authorities say that Ian had been snorkeling in the private pool under adult supervision when he became unresponsive. The timeline and exact cause of the incident are still under investigation, but early reports suggest that the child may have slipped beneath the surface without being immediately noticed—something experts say can happen silently and in seconds.

The Butler County Coroner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. However, there is currently no suspicion of foul play, and the incident is being investigated as a tragic accident.

Remembering Ian Pequignot

Ian Pequignot, just seven years old, is being remembered as a bright, kind-hearted boy with a love for the outdoors, swimming, and exploring the world around him. Friends of the family have shared stories of his boundless curiosity, warm smile, and the joy he brought to those around him.

“Ian had a light about him,” said a family friend in a statement. “He was always full of energy, always asking questions, and always ready to make someone laugh. His loss is unimaginable.”

Teachers at Ian’s elementary school were notified of his passing and grief counselors have been made available for students and staff. His classmates and teachers are preparing to honor his memory with a special tribute in the coming days.

Community in Mourning

Morgan Township, a close-knit community in Butler County, has come together to support the Pequignot family during this unimaginable time. Neighbors and local churches have started prayer vigils and meal trains, and a GoFundMe page has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and other immediate needs.

Local leaders and school officials expressed their sorrow in public messages, with Morgan Township’s Board of Trustees calling Ian’s passing a “tremendous loss for our entire community.”

“Our hearts are broken for the Pequignot family,” said one trustee. “In times like this, we must come together to lift them up in love and support.”

Safety Reminders Amid Summer Season

With summer temperatures rising and swimming activity increasing, Ian’s tragic death is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety—especially around young children.

Local authorities and emergency responders are urging families to revisit pool safety protocols, including:

• Never leave a child unattended near water
• Always ensure proper flotation devices are used
• Avoid distractions, such as phones, when children are swimming
• Be trained in CPR and basic first aid
• Install safety fences and alarms around residential pools

“Drownings can happen quickly, and often without a sound,” said a representative from the Butler County EMS. “We urge every parent and caregiver to treat water safety as seriously as they do seatbelts and helmets.”

Final Farewell

Funeral arrangements for Ian Pequignot are currently being finalized. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but they expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.

Updates on memorial services will be shared by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, donations are being directed to the family’s support fund or to local child water safety awareness programs.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

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