Tragic Drowning of 8-Year-Old Boy in Roxbury Sparks Investigation

Authorities, including the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, confirm ongoing investigations into the tragic incident, urging the public to respect the bereaved family's privacy.

In a heartbreaking incident in Roxbury, an 8-year-old boy was found dead, having drowned in a local creek. The child's death was confirmed by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone.

Law enforcement was dispatched to a residence in the Flanders area of Roxbury on July 12, 2023, at approximately 3:37 p.m., following a report of a young boy discovered face down in the creek. Paramedics from the Roxbury Township Police Department made efforts to resuscitate the child but were unsuccessful. The child was then transferred to St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, where he was officially pronounced dead.

As investigations into the incident are still ongoing, authorities have emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the boy's death do not seem suspicious at this time. In line with the policy concerning minors, no further details about the deceased will be released.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, out of respect for the grieving family, has appealed to the public to maintain their privacy during this difficult time. The Roxbury Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently involved in investigating the incident.

Anyone possessing relevant information about this investigation has been asked to contact either the Roxbury Police Department at 973-448-2100 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.

Water Safety Tips: Here are some ways you can protect your children around water:

Swimming Lessons: The first step in water safety is to teach your children how to swim. There are many organizations that offer swimming lessons for children as young as 1 year old.
Close and Constant Supervision: Always have an adult who knows how to swim supervising when your children are in or near water. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so never take your eyes off of children who are in the water.
Learn CPR: All parents and caregivers should know CPR. In the event of a water emergency, knowing CPR can make the difference between life and death.
Use Life Jackets: If you're in a boat or near a body of water, children should be wearing life jackets. Make sure the life jacket fits correctly and is appropriate for the child's weight and size.
Fence Around Pools: If you have a pool at home, it's essential to have a four-sided isolation fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. This can help prevent children from gaining access to the pool area without an adult's knowledge.
Teach Water Rules: Set and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as "no running near the pool," "always swim with a buddy," and "stay away from pool drains."
Teach them to Respect the Water: Children need to understand that water can be dangerous and that they should never go near water (lake, pool, ocean) without an adult present.
Swim in Lifeguarded Areas: Whenever possible, swim at beaches, pools, and parks that are supervised by lifeguards.
Drain Covers and Safety: For home pools and hot tubs, make sure that all drains, pipes and inlets are properly covered to avoid entrapments.
Regularly Maintain Pool and Equipment: Regular maintenance can help avoid any unexpected issues related to water quality or pool equipment, which might cause harm.
Education About Natural Water Bodies: Teach your children about the dangers of ocean currents, undertows, drop-offs, and river flows. Natural water bodies are unpredictable and children should be taught to respect these environments.
Cold Water Safety: Teach children about the effects of cold water and hypothermia. They should understand that cold water can affect their swimming ability and even a short time in cold water can be dangerous.