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Toddler twins drown in pool
2-year-old boy, girl, die from injuries after falling in water
Published Thursday, July 30, 2009
An Opp family is mourning the tragic loss of 2-year-old twins who died of injuries sustained after falling into a family pool Wednesday afternoon.
Covington County Sheriff Dennis Meeks said the incident occurred at a private residence on Weaver Place Road, north of Opp, shortly after 5 p.m.
“When first responders arrived, rescuers were performing CPR on two 2-year-old twin toddlers,” Meeks said. “The children were transported to Mizell’s emergency room by ambulance while rescue workers continued efforts to resuscitate the children.”
The Sheriff’s Office declined to identify the toddlers; however, sources close to the family revealed their identities as Kenadi and Brayden Ramer, the daughter and son of Gregg and Meredith Ramer.
Meeks said hospital staff worked diligently at attempts to resuscitate the children. However, their efforts were unsuccessful on Kenadi Ramer, who was pronounced dead at Mizell Memorial Hospital.
Brayden was immediately life flighted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital; however, sources close to the family said he died due to his injuries Thursday around lunch.
“Based on our investigation, we have determined that the toddlers’ near drownings were accidental, and family members did everything possible to revive the children,” he said. “The Sheriff’s Office has provided limited information in the case out of respect for the families, in consideration of the age of the victims.
“This is a tragic situation,” he said. “I appreciate the tremendous outpouring of effort and concern from our community and citizens for this family. Events of this nature show how close and how quickly our community comes together to support each other.”
Opp Police, Opportunity EMS, Sheriff’s Posse members, and the Friendship and Union Grove volunteer fire departments also responded to the scene.
Comments
Posted by covingtoncountycitizen2008 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 1:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to the family. This is a tragic incident that only God knows why. The family will be in my prayers.
Posted by oppnative (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a very close friend of Meredith's and the children's names are Brayden and Kenadi.
Posted by seasons (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is something that no one should ever have to endure. We are all heart broken for Gregg, Meredith and the rest of the Family. I am so sad that they will have to read the paper today and see that the Sheriff's dept. had the decency to keep the children's names quiet for now but the Star News has no problems not only releasing the names of the children but can't even get the names right. I believe the Star News owes the Ramer family a formal appology and next time they decide to print a tragic story, because they think it news worthy with no consideration for those who have been devistated, they should at least make sure they get all the names and facts correct.
Posted by bamabelle (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I completely agree with "seasons" about printing these names and getting them wrong. This is a tragic time for this family, and they need the comfort of God, family, and friends right now to get through this. They don't need nosey people, like those who apparently work at The Star News, coming along and making this time worse than it already is. Please pray for this family; they need prayer now, more than ever. Everyone in Opp and the surrounding cities needs to surround the Ramer family with love and support right now.
Posted by lakin (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think this should have been posted or ran in the paper. Show some compassion! The family should have time to grieve without people saying "oh, well, I read about it in the paper."
This is a hard time for the family, and now, this ad in the paper and online article probably is like adding salt to a wound for them.
Think of other people before you try sticking your nose in their business!! Then, on top of everything else, the names of those innocent children are incorrect. Way to go, top notch journalism there people.
Posted by Blondie (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This just shows this newspaper will grab something and run with it before the check to make sure everything is correct before they print it!!! Did the person that wrote this article even bother to check this out before it was printed? or was there a race to see who could get it in first?? Have some respect, you know it isnt that hard to do!! How long would it have taken you to check your story? Why did you feel the need to make sure you included those poor little childrens names? The Sheriffs dept. had the decency not to broadcast it out of respect to the family, why couldnt you???
Posted by angelmom (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In this time of heartbreaking tragedy,can we focus on the family and their needs. The press is in the business of news,and evidently they do not always confirm what their sources tell them. The bottom line is that a family has been dealt unspeakable tragedy,lives have been changed forever.The only way to survive I would think, is to wrap your faith around the cross,God doesn't make mistakes.Every mother,father,grandparent,aunt and uncle need to pray for this beloved family.
Posted by seasons (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see the Star news corrected the mistake on kenadi's name. Thank you. It is very much appreciated. I pray God blesses them and gives them much needed comfort.
Posted by newsman2010 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we feel for theses 2 parents cause we lost a one year old in 1988 so we are praying for the ramers my wife knows his parents real good, so ill have my church pray for the whole ramer family cause we know how hard it is to bury a child, but god will see them thru this event. god bless the ramers
Posted by dickie (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I THINK WE ALL SHOULD PRAY FOR THE RAMER FAMILY
DURING THIS TIME SEEMS AS IF WE ALL KNOW GOD HAS THE UPPER HAND HERE BUT WE ARE ALL HUMANS AND THE QUESTION IS WHY? AND WHAT IF ? I PRAY FOR EACH OF THEM DURING THIS TIME WE HAVE KNOWN THE RAMERS FOR A GOOD WHILE AND THIS IS ANOTHER TRAGIC SCENE IN SEVERAL OF THEIR LIVES. MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT THEM DURING THIS . WE LOVE ALL OF THE RAMERS
Posted by LoyalAmerican (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are no words, in any language, capable of lessening such horrific pain these parents are feeling in their hearts. Their road to healing will be a very long and difficult one. God will keep His promises and stand beside them, no matter what. He will also be there to carry them when they can not stand. In Christ's name, I ask God to bless this mother and father and all their family.
Posted by alabama (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, This is all unbelievably sad and tragic - those poor, sweet babies! Why wasn't somebody watching those children around that pool? We have a pool and a 3 year old and prior to even closing on the purchase of the house with the pool we had companies giving us estimates on installing child proof/self closing/automatic locking gates/fencing. In addition to that we had alarms installed on the doors that lead out to the pool area and locks that can only be opened from the inside with a key. And on top of all that our toddler has parents that watch him like a hawk constantly! Pools are death traps and it is a parents responsibility to make sure that necessary precautions are taken (regardless of the expense) in order to prevent tragedies like this from happening!!!
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
alabama....This was a terrble accident.I think we should just let it go as that. I mean come on,these people are going through extremely difficult times.
Posted by alabama (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are correct lookeyhere, it was an accident, a terrible terrible accident, but one that was 100% preventable.
Posted by bluecollarguy (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm truely sorry for the whole unfortunate incident, it makes me very sad. I love my children and all children, no matter
the color, or their parents income level, I guess a part of me will never grow up, but if that were my child, stepchild, or grandchild, the HRS would be all over me an have me up on charges and ask questions later. Someone needs to
answer up, was it an inflatable pool or gunite pool? Who was in charge? The community needs answers published in
this paper Tuesday morning!
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless and be with this family. Enough said.
Posted by angelmom (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is in response to bluecollarguys comment: why do we as a community need answers,we as a community need to leave this family alone and let them mourn in privacy.Sounds like some of us just think about ourselves,and just want to be nosy.Just leave this family alone.
Posted by andytransplant (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know the Ramer family, but my heart and prayers go out to them. This was a tragic accident...accusations, printing details in the paper of how it happened, detailing safeguards at your home...that will not bring those precious babies back. I've not lost a child and I can't even imagine the pain the entire family is going through right now. Please, if you have an ounce of compassion in you, allow this family to privately mourn their loss.
Posted by LoyalAmerican (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
angelmom: You are correct, as a community, we do not need answers. As a community, we need to be respectful and compassionate to this family. This public forum is not the place, nor is it the time to make, "should of-could of-would of remarks. Just a reminder to all the "Holier than thou's" out there.......But for the Grace of God go I!
Posted by bluecollarguy (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With my kindest regards to the family and the readers of this column I'd like to aplogize for my earlier comments. I spoke in haste I suppose from the fear of such a tragedy and unexpected accident of the loss of the two precious and tender lives. I have no excuse except ignorance on my part, I was raised better than that. My prayers and apologies go out to the family and the community, we all react in different ways sometimes but I have no excuse.
My hearfelt sympathies are sincere and I wish I could help,
I'll be on my knees tonight asking forgiveness for my human errors, and I ask for yours now.
Posted by jesusmyruler (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bluecollarguy..why do we need answers? will anything we know bring these children back, will it give the family any peace. no, you are being nosey and insensitive to the family. let them grieve the way they need. if they want anyone to know anything, they will tell them. until then, focus on your own life. we can't judge what happened, we were not there. pray for the family...leave them alone.
Posted by jesusmyruler (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bluecollarguy...i am sorry for my comment. i didn't take the time to read the next one and see that you saw your error. thank you for your apology, and i hope that you will accept mine as well. fear can grip us and cause us to react. this was a great tragedy. we all should unite in prayer...the grief for this family will be gripping and long suffering. God will forgive you and me. and He alone can bring peace to this family.
Posted by proud_us_citizen (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
alabama, I just have one question: Do you watch your child 24/7 without a break? Not even for a second? If you say you do, then you're flat out lying. It's impossible.
Some things are preventable, I'll agree. But no matter what you do to prepare, something can ALWAYS happen.
Instead of casting stones, how about showing some respect to the family? They are experiencing enough grief without yours to add to it.
Posted by Kathy052 (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers are with the Ramer family. I had a 4yr that died 28yrs ago and the only thing I had to watch her for 27months knowing she was dying. But God has a reason and the only thing I can't stand is when someone hugs you and tells you I know how you feel.No you don't unless you bury a child. Let the family have peace because they are going to need all the love and support they can get and they are going to cry and ask God why? But remember the good Lord above needed more beautiful flowers for his bouget. God Bless ya'll
Posted by newsman2010 (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
one more comment we lost our son back in 1988 so we know what the ramers are going thru, n yes some things are preventable, not all things can be prevented, but i have seen lots of cases where the dhr has stepped in to question such ordeals, im not pointed a finger at no one here i just hope with the help of the lord and good friends the ramers can get over this tragic event it took that for me n my wife n daughter 2 get over what happened to our son back in 1988, we stil think about him everyday ramers we are PRAYING FOR YOU IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Posted by rgodwin (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't imagine the pain that this mother and dad are enduring now and will be, for Lord knows how long. I hope and pray that I never have to bury either of my children, but to have to bury both at the same time would have to be unbearable. To the parents I say, "I know that the pain right now is unbearable, but maybe later you can find much comfort in knowing that they are both safe and happy with God. I hope that you are a christian family, because God's word is the only place I know of, to find comfort in times like this".
Posted by jamthree (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is so terrible.I hope this family is stronger than myself.I'm afraid they would just have to bury me with my babies.lets just all take a lesson from this and watch our kids people.I just want to go hug them all and tell them i love them while i can.
Posted by dusty18 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bluecollarguy thanks for the change in your comments. We have all been guilty of the same. I am not interested in how this happened or why. FACT is it did. My heart goes out to the family. I hope they can remain strong. Keep the family ties that they still have and ALL pull together. This is a heads up for all of us as parents,grandparents or just friends. It will raise our alert status. And we all know that the children are in good hands. And as i type this note i cannot help but smile for i know they are well cared for.
Posted by mommax2 (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, my deepest sympathies and prayers to the family. When I first heard of the story, it was like a punch to the gut. I personally have twin daughters who are 16 months and we have an in-ground pool at our residence. I can't imagine the grief that they are feeling. I wouldn't know what to do. I know what this has done and that's make myself even more aware than I originally was of all of the dangers in having a pool. We've already looked into getting alarms and some type of latch or chain to put on the top of the door so the girls couldn't reach it even if standing on something. If there is anyone out that similar to myself, I encourage you to do the same. Again, my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the parents and all the family of those prescious children. May God be with you!
Posted by HeatherGirl (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all to all of you that think its your business what happened, it's not. But just so you nosey people know they were being watched. Have you ever left your kids watching TV to go to the bathroom with the doors locked???? I think so. I agree that things are preventable, but life and death is not something that is. When God created us he also had in his plans the date of our death. We are not promised another minute, hour, or day, not ONE of US. It was there time to die, and GOD was GLORIFED through the whole thing. So with that said I hope your heart is right.
Posted by newsman2010 (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well i can truly say i know 1st hand the grief the ramers are going thru we lost our son in 188 he was only a year old at that time he was killed by a druunk driver, but god has a reason 4 all things folks im like heathergirl shes right we are not promised another day,minute oe even sec much less another hour, so you folks who have young kids u better cherish each monent u have cause like myself my wife and the ramers u dont never know when god will take them back to heaven. god bless greg and all his family and merediths family my wife's folks knows them good their good folks.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on August 5, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is such a horrible tragedy. I pray the Ramers can manage to find some peace in all of this knowing that God has great plans for these toddlers. I have grandchildren and I worry about them, I know probably too much as my daughters would say, but that's our right, to worry, as it is our right to grieve and question. I pray the Ramer family has peace in knowing their children are with God and they are smiling down on them.
Posted by alabama (anonymous) on August 5, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Heathergirl if they were "being watched" then this tragedy wouldn't have happened. No, I do not watch my children 24/7, yes I leave the room when they are watching tv and that is why I have child resistant safety measures in place (ie - pool safety fence, alarms, locks, etc) during the times that I am not able watch them or I have to turn my back. It's no secret that pools are dangerous and it's no secret that toddlers cannot swim, so logic dictates that a parent with young children would parallel having a pool in their back yard to having a rattlesnake pit or a six lane highway, all of which are equally dangerous and deadly. I am not a perfect parent by any means, but I am a realist. Look, I really feel for these parents, I cannot imagine the grief and sadness that they must being experiencing and while I am not especially religious (as I cannot fathom how an allmighty God would allow something as horrid as this to happen to two beautiful, innocent children)I do hope that the parents find peace. My heart goes out to them.
Posted by newsman2010 (anonymous) on August 5, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i think god will help greg and meredith ramer thru this very tragic event its tragic i know, i know this 1st hand me n my wife lost a one year old back in 1988 so we know god will help theses 2 thru such a tragic event,just keep their memories alive and ask god to give u the strenghth to get thru this tragic event, god bless u greg n meredith ramer.
Posted by edwards906 (anonymous) on August 9, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For Everyone: someone was babysitting the children; so PLEASE stop blaming the parents!!!!!!
Posted by newsman2010 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seek comfort in god n your community greg n meredith their are plenty of good folks that will help u in your time of need my whole family here in my county are praying 4 both families.
Posted by Bluebelle51 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel for the family, though I do not know them.
I am certain that good neighbors and friends will help them get through their grief.
For all others with small children, FENCE YOUR POOL!!!
Let's pray that someone else's child will not be lost in this way because the article in the paper made them realize how easily their child could be taken and took action to prevent it.
To the family I can only say I am so sorry for your loss.
Do not let the mindless words of those who do not know you, make your time of grief greater than it already is.
Posted by JCluvsall (anonymous) on August 14, 2009 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have prayed for this family to be comforted knowing they can see their twins in Heaven someday but know the grieving will be long and hard to bear. Those parents did not knowingly do or not do anything that would harm their children. We have all suffered thru mistakes wishing we could do-over with a chance to change the outcome. GOD created mankind and gave us dominion over his earth and free will. The earth was perfect, man messed it up. We can't blame him. Even JESUS suffered pain and sorrow when he came to earth and he was perfect.
Posted by Bamauthor (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I too have twin toddlers, so I cannot begin to imagine how the parents will ever cope with this tragedy. This news is yet another reminder to parents like me how dangerous pools are. I hope they loved their children very much & enjoyed every moment with them. I hope they had a million sweet memories with their kids.
On a more practical note: when my husband and I were looking for a house to buy, he wanted a pool to enjoy, but I didn't want one for children's safety. We ended up buying a house without a pool. That is a huge relief, everyday.
Having a toddler in the house, makes many normal objects if a house, potential death-traps. We must keep a tight watch on our little kids, employ safety measures in the house, and pray for our kids' long & healthy life.
Such unfortunate news remind us to love our family each & every moment, & enjoy every little second with them ..... one never knows what might happen to either of us tomorrow.
I hope with time, the Ramers can one day remember their children with smiles, not tears.
Posted by skydog (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What the Ramers need now is PRAYER. They need of all the talk of I would have done this or that to stop. Noone knows what they would have done differntly because they were not in their situtation. And I pray that noone else has to go through what they have.
If this community had the Faith of God that these 2 parents have then it would be a much better place.God's will is the only thing that is getting them through each day. The Ramers loved their children will all their heart as would most any other parent. So I encourage each parent that reads this to hold your child, tell them you love them, praise them when praise is due and to cherish each moment with them. Beacuse you will never know when God will call them home or you home either. So live each day as your last beacause you never know.
As for the pool, it was not at their house. And that is all that needs to be said.
REMEMBER TO PRAY!!!
Posted by sheme (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, Alabama, I realize that you love your child and I know that anyone that has ever met these 2 precious children love them. I really don't think you speak to be mean or to cause undue stress. I am sure you actually think that nothing will ever happen to your child because you have taken every precaution. I already know all that you have done to your pool, so no need to remind us. I just encourage you make sure you learn to turn your child over to God, because you will never have everything covered. I am thankful that these parents and family are able to turn to God and find strength in Him. I am thankful that they do not lean on their own understanding. I am thankful that they have friends that encourage them and are not so righteous that they feel it could never happen to them. I know that I have made comments about others the way that you have them. It will never happen again. I am sure you think you know all about what happened, but I am afraid you don't. Instead of saying things to possibly tear a family apart, just hold your child a little tighter, rock them a little longer and remember to pray for them every chance you get. I will be praying for you and your child. I wish you two a long life together and after a long, long time here on earth, B&K will meet you in Heaven and you will know that they are just fine.
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