Missing Child Dies after Falling into the Pequonnock River

The Town of Trumbull Police Department has identified the boy who died Wednesday as Thomas Chisholm, who was about 2 years old. He went missing earlier in the day and was found in the Pequonnock River after about two hours of searching.

Deputy Chief Michael Harry issued the following statement Wednesday night:

"It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of the young child who fell into the Pequonnock River today.  Thomas Chisholm, age 1 year 9 months, was pronounced dead at 5:20 p.m.  He is the son of Michael and Ruth Chisholm of Trumbull.

Bridgeport police officers and Monroe K-9 Officer Dennis Bradshaw and his dog Liberty had joined Trumbull's officers in the frantic search for the tot, soon after he became swept up in the current.

Update 6:20 p.m.

A Bridgeport Hospital spokesman reports the child, about 2, found in the Pequonnock River about two hours after falling in Wednesday died at the hospital this evening. 

Spokesman John Cappiello said the child could not be revived and was pronounced dead between 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Police have not released the child's name.

Update 1:39 p.m. The young child pulled from the Pequonnock River about two hours after falling in Wednesday morning is in critical condition in Bridgeport Hospital, said John Cappiello, the spokesman there.

Police have not identified the boy.

The child, about 2, was outside with his mother when he fell into the fast moving water running through his Lindberg Drive backyard about 10:42 a.m., said Police Chief Thomas Kiely.

"Her child was playing near the river," he said. She turned around briefly, and "the next she knew the child was missing."

The mother jumped into the cold, quick water while another child ran into the house and called 911, police said.

Bridgeport police officers and city workers pulled the boy from the water on the banks of Bunnell Pond, across from the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Kiely said.

The family is "very distraught," according to the chief. "We transported them to Bridgeport Hospital."

Firefighters from Shelton, Trumbull and Bridgeport aided in the search. Rescuers stood by the river's banks while dogs from the State Police and surrounding towns and Dive teams scoured the area.

The water was difficult to stand in, even for an adult, said Trumbull Center Fire Chief Ed Gratrix.

"The water is high. It's the fall. It's pretty cold. It's about 8 to 9 knots," Gratrix said.

First Selectman Timothy Herbst supported the family and thanked the all the agencies who helped in the rescue.

"I was impressed with the quick response. Everyone converged very quickly and we're grateful for their help," he said.

Update 12:43 p.m.

The young child found in the Pequonnock River in Trumbull following an hours-long search mission that started this morning is being taken to Bridgeport Hospital, according to emergency responders on multiple agency broadcasts. All companies assisting in the search for the missing child have been called off. Trumbull police transporting family members to the hospital.

Update 12:39 p.m.

The young child who has been missing since this morning has been found in the Pequonnock River, according to emergency responders on multiple agency broadcasts. Paramedics have been called to the scene in Trumbull, joining local police, Bridgeport police and Westport police, who supplied a bloodhound to assist in the search.

Original Story

Assistant Chief Manuel Firpi of the Bridgeport Fire Department has confirmed a Trumbull child between 2 and 3 years old went missing Wednesday morning.

The child and his mother were near a park area, Firpi said. When the mother turned around the child disappeared, according to Firpi.

The child was last seen in that area wearing yellow boots and a black hoodie.

Bridgeport and Trumbull police and fire departments are searching the Pequonnock River but fire officials said the child may not be in the river. Officials are also searching the surrounding areas and helicopters are being called in to assist.

The child's name has not been released.