Nationwide — Cameron “Cam” Massie, a 2-year-old African American boy from Henrico County, Virginia, drowned in his family’s backyard pool just one day after his mother’s wedding was held there. Despite safety fences, Cam somehow got into the water and tragically died after being rushed to the hospital.
According to KWTX, Henrico County police responded to a call about a possible drowning just before 2 p.m. on Sunday. Officers arrived to find the toddler unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities say there are no signs of foul play, calling it a tragic accident.
Cam’s mom, Shannon Clay, said that her son had been playing with other children outside while she cleaned up from the wedding. She stepped inside briefly to say goodbye to family when she noticed Cam was missing. Moments later, he was found in the pool.
Family members tried to save him, but it was too late. Although the pool had a gate and safety fence, relatives believe Cam may have been small enough to slip through an opening.
Clay remembers Cam as the “sunshine” of their family, known for his big heart and his love of hugging strangers. She urged other parents to never take their eyes off their children, even for a moment.