Deputies said the child was found unresponsive at a northwest Harris County apartment complex.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 5-year-old boy died July 4 after he was pulled from an apartment pool in northwest Harris County, where deputies said about 30 people were present when the child was found unresponsive.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what led to the drowning at the Cortland Wortham Apartments in the 10225 block of Wortham Boulevard, near North Eldridge Parkway and FM 1960. Deputies said the child was taken to a hospital after emergency crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead.
Deputies were called to the complex for a life-in-danger situation after a pool patron noticed the child in distress and alerted others nearby. People at the pool pulled the boy from the water before first responders arrived. Investigators said the child’s mother and aunt were at the hospital with him after the incident.
Authorities said many of the roughly 30 people at the pool left before investigators arrived. Deputies said those people have been identified and will be interviewed as detectives work to build a timeline. Investigators have not said when the child entered the water, how long he may have been submerged or what happened in the moments before he was found.
Detectives also are trying to obtain surveillance video from apartment management. Investigators said the child’s mother and aunt were in another area of the pool and may not have been watching him at the time. Officials have not released the child’s name.
The case will be presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, deputies said. Prosecutors will determine whether any charges are filed after investigators complete interviews, review available video and document the scene. No charges had been announced as of Sunday morning.
The death came during a holiday period when Harris County authorities responded to another water-related emergency involving a child. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the separate Humble case left an 8-year-old child hospitalized in serious condition. “Our hearts are heavy tonight. No words can ease the loss of a child,” Gonzalez said.
As of Sunday, detectives were still reviewing witness accounts and seeking video from the apartment complex. The next step is a referral to the district attorney’s office after the sheriff’s office completes its investigation.
Author note: Last updated July 5, 2026.