Pool accident claims child#039;s life

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 29, 2007

A Butler County family is dealing with the death of their son following a drowning accident on Shackleville Rd. Sunday afternoon.

Bryce Alan Rodgers, 3, was pronounced dead on Monday at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham. At approximately 12:06 p.m. on Sunday, Butler County Sheriff's deputies and paramedics from GEMS Ambulance responded to the report of a child found floating in a pool outside a residence on Shackleville Rd., stated Sheriff Kenny Harden.

&#8220According to the parents the child had been left unsupervised only for a couple of minutes when the accident occurred,” said Harden.

Harden said the parents, Michael and Dawn Rodgers, pulled the child from the pool, called 911 and attempted to resuscitate. Paramedics arrived on the scene, administered CPR and at some point the child did respond to the medical attention, said Harden.

He was transported to L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital and then flew to Children's Hospital of Birmingham, but doctors advised the parents there was no brain activity and the child was taken off life support at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Monday, according to reports.

&#8220Anytime you have a child involved in tragedy like this it's tough,” said Harden.

Dawn Rodgers is an employee with the First Lowndes Bank in Greenville and president Allen Bowen said the tragedy has affected everyone at the bank.

&#8220Dawn is a family member,” he said. &#8220All of the employees want her to know we're there for her and anything we can do for her we will.”

Bowen said the loss of a child the age of Bryce makes a parent want to &#8220go home and hug your kidsŠwhether they're 3 or 33.”

Chapel services for Bryce will be held Thursday, March 29 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bryce is survived by his parents, brothers, Tristen Stinson and Keller Rodgers of Greenville; maternal grandmother, Janice Kennedy of Wetumpka; maternal grandfather, Jack Small of Greenville; maternal great-grandmother, Ruby Small of Selma and Marie Bearden of Selma; paternal grandfather, Jimmy Rodgers of Poplar Bluff, MI; numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives.