UPDATE: Grandfather pulled toddler from Mishawaka poolTribune Staff Report
MISHAWAKA — A 14-month-old toddler found Sunday morning unconscious at the bottom of a swimming pool was listed in critical condition Monday, authorities said. Nicholas Szalay was pulled from the family pool by his grandfather, who performed CPR on the boy until he spit vomit and water out of his mouth and began breathing again, police say. The case is being worked as an accidental near-drowning, said Mishawaka Assistant Police Chief Mike Samp. The incident occurred at the grandfather’s home in the 900 block of East Fifth Street. The grandfather told police that he was inflating rafts for the pool at the time and did not realize his grandson had fallen in the pool. The grandfather did not believe the child was in the pool for more than two minutes. Nicholas’ grandfather believes the boy fell from a deck above the pool, Samp said. Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:07 AM know what your going thru wrote ...we lost our daughter (4yrs old) 12 life guards on duty and the buddy system in place.accidents happen no matter how vigilant or carful you are, Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:11 PM Steve wrote ...There is no reason to ask stupid questions like who was watching, and where were so and so. You can camoflauge it all you want, as you want to learn from it, when in reality you are making accusations. The bottom line is this family knows that it has friends in the community and yes in 2008 we have computers. You want to learn something from it? Get CPR/First Aid certified and save a life! That's the most valuable lesson you can take from this and the only one that counts. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:41 PM Momma Me wrote ...How is Nick doing now??? I am curious, and it is obvious he has lots of family members who have computers. I have been thinking about him and praying for his recovery. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:41 PM Angie&Jeff wrote ...This boy is two months younger than my daughter, his mother and I were pregnant together, and I have the same type of pool in my backyard. Its a scary reminder that lives can change in a matter of seconds. Jeff and I are praying for all you and especially for little man, in hopes that he can try to kiss my daughter on the cheek again very soon! Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:59 AM Mom wrote ...I just want to say that I am sick and tired of the people who post comments on this site who think they are perfect. No matter what the story or situation is, some people think it would have gone differently had it involved them. Those of you who think you are perfect parents, drivers, grandparents, etc., just shut up. It's getting old. My prayers go out to the family. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:12 AM Anon wrote ...I'm trying to figure out why when we try to learn what happened to prevent it from happening again we are criticized. We need to learn from our mistakes to prevent them in the future. This isn't the familie's web site, but WSBT's. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:48 AM Misty & Victoria wrote ...Everyone is so quick to judge this family, but the ones that have been up to see Baby Nicholas and talk to the family are the ones that know the truth and what has happened. We know that accidents happen and are very thankful for Billy & Nate. We love you Nicholas and are praying for you non-stop. Nick and Michell, you are great parents and love your baby boy very much, don't let the negative comments on the page bring you down. We love you!! xoxo Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:55 AM Monica wrote ...Nicholas has stayed in my thoughts and prayers very second. I have passed on this story to others to keeps more prayers coming. Youhave lots of support and strength. Stay Strong and keep your heads high. The Lord is with you and by your side. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:45 AM DJ wrote ...How horrid it is that people in our community are quick to blame and criticize, Shame on you, this was an accident! They happen all the time,..We need to keep the family and the child in our prayers. May God Bless this child and bestow upon him a full recovery, and may the Lord give peace to the family members,..Amen Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:05 AM Lessons Learned wrote ...Instead of criticizing, let's learn some lessons: 1. EVERYONE! needs to get CPR training. No excuses. There are free CPR (or at least cheap ones) available. Do a Google search or contact your local fire department. 2. Pools are very dangerous. No matter how you lock them down, close them up, or anything short of draining the water, a child can get in. Always know where your child is. 3. Praying works. I know - I've been there. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:57 AM nickyj great gramma wrote ...he is my babyboy he is loved so very much,especicality by his grandfather! great job biily&nate thank you for saving nickys life.also i want to thank everyone who has been praying for my nickyj. prayer does work there is a god in heaven he is watching over my baby boy people should judge judge not or you shall be judged thats in the bible Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:37 AM Anonymous wrote ...I hope the little boy will recover. I am sure the family is shocked this could have happened. No matter how well you watch small kids they can be gone in a second. I sure hope he will pull through and prayers are being said. Just remember no one is exempt from tragedy no matter how careful and watchful you are especially with small children they can take off before you even realize they are gone. What a horrible accident this was. God bless the family and keep them strong. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:08 AM James wrote ...WSBT should have included all this in the original story or not published until all the facts were in!!!!! Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:19 AM PJ wrote ...I have 4 kids and know how hard it is to have your eye on them every second. Do not feel bad because there are people that think that you can, then please tell me how OOH GREAT ONES! I believe in the power of prayer, i will pray for the boy and family and all the insensitive people out there. Monday, Jul 7 at 9:31 PM Aunt Melissa wrote ...I thank everyone for praying for my little nephew keep praying he keeps gettin better and better the more prayers we get...i love my sister and her son nicholas that is my baby nephew so everyone who doesnt know the whole story stop criticizing and bad mouthing my family!! I LOVE MY NEPHEW NICHOLAS AND MY SISTER PLEASE KEEP PRAYING IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ALL OF US!!! THANK YOU LOVE YOU ALL THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! Monday, Jul 7 at 8:59 PM Aunt Anissa wrote ...By the way, all you people putting the blame on anyone in Nicholas Jeremiah's family you are very wrong in your thoughts. You should be thanking his grandfather and uncle for their quick actions and most of all"THEIR GREAT LOVE" REMEMBER THAT!!! Monday, Jul 7 at 8:48 PM c wrote ...Also to all who say no one was watching this lil guy. Its clear that someone was becuase if not he would be dead right now. Honestly some people are so stupid. They are so eager to cause pain they dont even think before they speak, or in this case type. DUH!! Monday, Jul 7 at 8:41 PM c wrote ...Me and my 2 children was in FL fishing off a peir. I was right beside them. My 4 yr old slipped some how and went half in the water with gators. Before I could even react she was bearly holding onto the edge. I could have lost her then. I thank God every day she grabbed ahold, but for the life of me I dont know how she was able to. I guess Im a bad mom cuase she had an accident. To the granddad Thank you for taking CPR, You saved his precous life. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Ill pray Monday, Jul 7 at 8:26 PM Aunt Anissa wrote ...Just know that we all are praying for you and that we love you all very much. Little man is so strong he is going to pull through with flying colors.He knows how loved he is and that is a strong power.Be strong and we love you.God Bless. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:30 PM Tracy wrote ...It is SO easy for a child to quietly slip under the water undetected. My husband and I, my sister and her husband, and our 4 children were at a community pool. The dads were playing with a frisbee in the water, and my sister and I were sitting on the side of the pool chatting. My 7-year-old son yelled out to my sister who turned and looked at her 3-year-old son dog paddling with his face totally submerged. If it weren't for my son noticing him struggling, he could have drowned. Accidents happen. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:19 PM Italian Stallion- Peace Up Big Nig wrote ...My prayers are for little Nicholas and his family and GODS healing hands will get him through this! Monday, Jul 7 at 6:02 PM Pat wrote ...Come on people; get off your self righteous high horse. Don’t you have a child to hug instead of criticizing others? You need to drop to your knees and thank God it wasn’t one of your own family members this ACCIDENT happened to. Why don’t you drop some food off to this family, send money for hospital bills or offer to donate a pool alarm. Offer a helping hand instead of a biting tongue. These negative comments make me sick. What happened to LOVE THY NEIGHBOR! Monday, Jul 7 at 5:52 PM Aunt Anna and Cousin Kenzie , Uncle Steven wrote ...This little boy is so quick and loves everybody and has a big heart My father did save his life and brother is only 13 years old. My father and my brother are both heros to lil nick .Anybody that owns a pool please just take a CPR lessons because you never know what can happen please pray for nicholas right now he is doing so much better dont stop praying Monday, Jul 7 at 5:15 PM O'Konski wrote ...I know the Mother and Father of lil nick they are good people and very loving and i pray for you 3 and the rest of the family be strong he will make it :) Monday, Jul 7 at 4:51 PM jmt wrote ...Praying for this little guy and his family. It can happen so quickly, that is why it is an accident. My daughter was hit by a car right in front of me guess what I wasnt strong enough to stop a rolling car. I was watching her, it was bumped into gear accidently. She is fine now thank God, but it is your worst nightmare come true. I will be praying for the family as well, this changes who you are! It is devestating! Please family of this child ignore the ignorance on some of these people! Monday, Jul 7 at 4:25 PM Mamma Me wrote ...May God bless this whole family, and may Nick come throuh this with flying colors! We have an ingroud pool, and I look at it as a liability! We have two kids, one of them is only five. I CONSTANTLY worry about what may happen! We are VERY vigilent about no one around the pool without an adult, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to be sure of that 24/7! Kids are fast and inquisitive. I feel so much for this family, you are heavy on my mind. Thank God for the grandpa and young uncle, you both rock in my book! Monday, Jul 7 at 3:21 PM Granger mommy of 3 wrote ...I am the mother of a 2 and 3 year old as well a an 12 year old. I know they are quick and only someone who is NOT a parent of a quick child, or toddler, can act and make comments on here as if THEY are beyond this happening to them. you are not above this happening to you if you have a pool and a toddler, it takes but a moment even if you are right there, just side tracked. Oh yeah and praying IS doing something we may never just know the full extent of it here on Earth! Monday, Jul 7 at 3:18 PM Aunt Courtney wrote ...Everyone's prayers and caring thoughts mean a lot to Nicholas' family. He is a strong little fighter and he WILL make it thru this. He is surrounded by so much love and support right now, he is a very special kid! Accidents are just that... never meant to happen and a horrible thing to have to go thru. Please just have respect for his family and say a prayer or two!! Monday, Jul 7 at 2:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...There is another hero in this story, the little boys uncle Nathan. He had to talk to the people on the phone because his mother couldn't, he is 13 years old. He held up little nicks hands when his father was doing CPR. He was torn up inside when he seen his nephew. That I think made the uncle Nathan a hero too. Monday, Jul 7 at 2:27 PM Praying for little Nicholas... wrote ...There are so many praying for this little one. For the Grandfather: how wonderful that you knew CPR and were able to stay calm to help out your grandson! It's always the hardest when it's someone you love. For the mother: Thank you for offering an update on his condition. Your son sounds like a tough little guy and I wish him a quick and full recovery. For other readers: Let's use this accident as an opportunity to remind ourselves how quickly accidents can happen, esp. with children. Monday, Jul 7 at 2:16 PM Linda W. wrote ...We are praying for little Nick's full recovery. It was a horrible accident, that can happen to any one of us. The negative comments are not what this wonderful family needs. They are good people and need your prayers, not your criticism. If you can't say something supportive, then keep quiet and live in your little perfect world. Monday, Jul 7 at 2:01 PM Rochester Mom wrote ...Family: Anyone reasonable adult who has been around children realizes that things can happen in the smallest of split seconds. Those who judge have not been there. Please know there are hundreds of families surrounding you with their love and prayers. Monday, Jul 7 at 1:47 PM Mother wrote ...Thank you everyone for your prayers! We really appreciate it. Nicholas is doing better and all your prayers are helping! He is a fighter and he will pull through this, it will take time but I know he will be ok. Thank you again. Monday, Jul 7 at 1:05 PM B.C. Kunze wrote ...Thank God the granddad knew CPR! this makes it so important to take the training! I did and had to use it on a fisherman in Lake Michigan years ago. My heart goes out to the family and hope and pray the little guy is ok. Kids are a lot more resiliant than we think. I am praying he will bounce back quickly. Please dont be quick to blame anyone. 2 year olds are SO fast to get away from us. Monday, Jul 7 at 12:48 PM Amy wrote ...I have a little 2 year old girl and i cant even keep my eye on her ever second of the day!!! so the people who think that no one was watching this little boy they were but kids do leave adults eyes every time so to the family i hope he is ok and me and my familys prays are with you. Monday, Jul 7 at 12:45 PM Carolyn wrote ...Thank god this grandfather was there to save the boy. I am praying for your family and hope for the best Monday, Jul 7 at 12:22 PM Nate's 2nd Family wrote ...We Love you and you are all in our prayers.We know you Love Nicholas-"the Grandbaby" more than anything in the world. To the people with all the negative comments GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!! Monday, Jul 7 at 12:18 PM Pool Owner wrote ...I have had a in ground pool for over 20 years, and my biggest fear was a child slipping in when I did not notice. Blame will get us no where. Pray does work, and so doeas CPR. The Grandfather did one, revived the child and I am sure he is doing the other constantly. My prayers go out to everyone impacted by the tragedy. Monday, Jul 7 at 12:09 PM auntie b wrote ...for all who dont know what happened dont make irrational comments just pray for the baby. in a couple days youll forget about this but the people who love him will live with it for the rest of their lives just pray for the baby and be considerate of the family Monday, Jul 7 at 12:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...It is so easy to cast stones. My first thought was why wasnt he being watched? You have to take a step back and realize how quickly accidents like this happen. It is just that. A tragic accident. I am praying for that little boy and his family. May God help him pull through. Monday, Jul 7 at 11:58 AM think wsbt wrote ...wsbt y do u let people post comments it's because u know it will bring more people to web site shame on u Monday, Jul 7 at 11:47 AM Pool Owner wrote ...Please let everyone know if you own a pool then the rule is NO KIDS near the pool when an adult isn't there. We have had apool 15 years and have taught 11 to swim. I know accidents happen it is our job to make sure they don't. Is this easy when there are 12 kids ? No. I get at least two adult to always stand by the pool or find another adult before they walk away. Just as a side this is in the ground 8 feet deep. All my nieces and nephews know that. I pray for your little grandson and for you Monday, Jul 7 at 11:28 AM Cindie Lu<3 wrote ...The negative comments are not helping praying is KEEP ON PRAYING FOR MY NEPHEW he brought happines to the family and laughter and he always lighten up me when I'm down he is a intelligent beautiful boy his father and mother are very loving to thr child for the people who have a swimming pool should know CPR because my father was the one who did the CPR on Little nicholas and that saved his life I appreciate for the people who are praying keep on praying I LOVE U NICHOLAS J. GOD IS WATCHING OVR U Monday, Jul 7 at 11:10 AM IGNORANT PEOPLE wrote ...READ THE STORY AND IT TELLS YOU THE GRANDFATHER WAS BLOWING UP RAFTS.I have a 2yr. old autistic boy and it is hard to keep him an eyesight 24-7. We have all had small accidents at one point or another. Scraped knees,elbows, etc. Accidents happen people some greater than others. When you can call yourself perfect than cast a stone. Until then keep your negative comments to yourself. Self righeous jerks! Monday, Jul 7 at 11:05 AM CB in SB wrote ...Unfortunately accidents happen when you least expect them--that's why they are called 'accidents'. Any parent knows how quickly a child can get out of your sight and those moments until you see them are agonizing. Thank GOD that this grandfather not only found the child so quickly BUT knew how to and performed CPR! This is a sad story (that is a wake up call for many parents and/or pool owners)that hopefully will have a happy ending-praying everything turns out well for the family. Monday, Jul 7 at 11:04 AM Shelby wrote ...This is a tragedy, it could happen to anyone. And to the person that was talking about the CPR classes the grandfather did teach a CPR class. So everyone needs to stop talking untell you know everything. So everyone that doesn't know this family everyone is at the hosiptal and the have been here day and night seens he got there. So you tell me, is this a family that meant for that to happen? I don't think so. It was an accident. Leave it at that. Monday, Jul 7 at 10:54 AM Power in Prayer wrote ...Please pray for this little Boy and thank God his grandfather knows CPR. This family deserves a miracle. And yes accidents do happen, this was a true accident. Not a DUI where the person drank theirself silly, or a crime of robbery, or a break in & entry, etc. This family must be devasted and going through hell. Pray for a recovery for Nicholas and get off your high horses. His life is what matters. And who knows, maybe this is God's plan to make everyone be more aware. Monday, Jul 7 at 10:52 AM Praying wrote ...I am sorry this happend to you your grandson. We will be praying for him. Accidents happen and God will see you through. Monday, Jul 7 at 10:42 AM keep your every eye on kids wrote ...dont everyone start family bashing please its very pathetic this grandfather is the hero in this story way to go grandpa this is a family accident and i will pray this boy has no long term effects little kids are curious all the time i know i have a 3 year old son who loves to swim but i have my eye on him constantly if i go upstairs he goes with me at all times Monday, Jul 7 at 10:38 AM Mom wrote ...Praying for little one Monday, Jul 7 at 10:15 AM Anon wrote ...Wishing Nicholas a speedy recover and no lasting effects. Monday, Jul 7 at 10:07 AM kate wrote ...Anyone with children knows how quickly they can get out of sight. This was a tragic accident, that's all. I don't know these people and don't live in South Bend, but I am sure they did not get up and decide to be careless with their child's life that day. How ridiculous some of you sound being so harsh and critical of these people. Have none of your children ever been hurt? Did YOU plan for it to happen? It is truly sad how smug some of these comments are. Hope you never feel this pain. Monday, Jul 7 at 9:51 AM mick wrote ...I have 5 children and been married for 30 years. I love each of my children VERY much. I would say I have been a good loving dad( thats what my kids tell me) but I wish I could of been perfect like a few of you out there that ALWAYS have their eyes on their second that their up and about. Get real not one one you parents can say you know every move or action your child or children have taken? NOT ONE! So give this family prayers and love not guilt feelings. By the way I have a pool Linda. Monday, Jul 7 at 9:47 AM Paternal Grandfather of toddler wrote ...I am asking WSBT and the Michiana Community to keep my grandson in their prayers. This was a freak accident that I wish never happened. My grandson snuck through the locked gate of the pool and after finding him in the pool I performed CPR on him the way I was trained until the paramedics got there. Because of my quick actions and those of the paramedics', my grandson is alive. I am asking the WSBT viewers to stop the blame game and to keep our family in prayer because we are devastated. Monday, Jul 7 at 9:40 AM anonymous wrote ...Just keep prayers in for my nephew he needs all the prayers he can get and it doesnt help all the negetive comments goin on here.... Monday, Jul 7 at 9:37 AM GOD MOTHER wrote ...I am the god mother of this child. Before you make any judgements or comments you all need to understand that this was an accident and could happen to anyone.Also people need to know the correct age of the child before saying anything at all. The only thing anyone should be doing is PRAYING FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY. This child has THE BEST PARENTS AND FAMILY ANY CHILD COULD POSSIBLY ASK FOR!! So be positive because that is what this family needs the most and pray for this child and his family. Monday, Jul 7 at 9:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...I am just wondering why a 2year old is left unsupervised by a pool? Monday, Jul 7 at 8:55 AM C wrote ...Honestly folks, it's no one's business about the details. It's a personal family tragedy! It's too bad that WSBT even allows this. No one is above an accident and to all of you who think you know it all, MAY THIS NEVER HAPPEN IN YOUR FAMILY. How would you like this to be your family and have nasty, judgmental and self-righteous comments posted about your actions? Prayers do work and they are not "the best way to feel like you're doing something when you are acutally doing nothing". Monday, Jul 7 at 8:38 AM Linda wrote ...Prayers to the little one. Hopefully, he will be just fine. Not casting judgment but how does an ACCIDENT like this happen? There should always always always be can adult present when children are swimming or near water period. Where were the parents, or babysitter or anyother responsible adult? Even if there was no water around isn't 14 months old a bit young to not be within parents sight? Not accusing, just trying to understand the irresponsibility here. Monday, Jul 7 at 8:24 AM James wrote ...Yeah I have to agree, this story is seriously lacking information. WSBT? Monday, Jul 7 at 8:19 AM Colleenmike wrote ...Stop praying and start doing. Why don't you help the parents be with there child? Why don't you sponser a CPR class. Praying is the best way to feel like your doing something when you are actually doing nothing. .. Is there anyone that has never made a mistake? Monday, Jul 7 at 7:51 AM B wrote ...Children are a gift!!! PARENTS understand this. We should all pray for this childs full recovery. Monday, Jul 7 at 7:40 AM Anonymous wrote ...accidents can happen to anyone!! Be kind until you know all. Monday, Jul 7 at 7:23 AM Compassion wrote ...Please people - lets pray for this toddler first and cast judgment later. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:02 AM Anon wrote ...Who was watching this child? Add a commentMost Popular |
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Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:57 AM Aunt Anissa wrote ...
I started another prayer line for little man.He is getting all the love and support that he needs.All the prayers are a wonderful thing and it is going to help more and more everyday.He is doing better with each day that passes and that is "GREAT". And once again,I want to thank his grandfather and uncle for all they strength and love.Remember what ever anyone has to say,you are both loved very much and we are all very thankful.Don't let all the stupid people in this world bring you down.LOVE AL