MORGAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A 7-year-old boy tragically drowned Wednesday afternoon while snorkeling in a swimming pool in Morgan Township, authorities said. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has identified the child as Ian Pequignot. According to officials, Ian had been swimming with several other children at a private pool on Timber Walk Lane around 2:30 p.m. when the incident occurred.
Multiple adults were supervising the children at the time, and Ian had been snorkeling in the deep end of the pool. When he failed to resurface, his mother quickly realized something was wrong. Desperate to save her son, Ian’s mother immediately dove into the pool in search of him. First responders from the Morgan Township Life Squad arrived shortly after and performed emergency life-saving measures. Ian was rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the drowning. Officials have not released specific details about how long Ian may have been underwater or whether the snorkeling equipment played a role in the tragedy. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and more information may be released as it becomes available.
The heartbreaking incident has left the community in mourning. Friends and neighbors have described Ian as a happy and adventurous child who loved the outdoors and spending time in the water. Many have taken to social media to share condolences and offer support to the grieving family during this devastating time.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children in the United States. Safety experts stress the importance of constant supervision, especially when children are using swim gear like snorkels or masks that can sometimes obstruct breathing or vision. As investigators continue to piece together what happened, Ian Pequignot’s death serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly water-related accidents can occur—even in supervised settings.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the case as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community is rallying around Ian’s family as they cope with the loss of their young son.
