1-year-old dies after falling into covered swimming pool in Warren

WARREN, Mich. (WJBK) -
Tragedy in Warren as a 1-year-old falls into a swimming pool and later dies.

Somehow little Kevin was able to wander outside and fall into the above ground pool, which had a cover on top in the backyard of a residence in the 13000 block of La Chene.

His mother found him, but by then it was too late.

"I saw him this morning and he just said 'Hi Jess,'" a neighbor said. "It's tough."

Neighbors and friends are remembering 22-month old Kevin Wiley sadly drowned Monday afternoon at his relative's pool in Warren.

Police say somehow the child was able to wander onto the deck and fell into the above ground pool. It was his mother who discovered him had fallen into the murky water.

She dialed 911 and along with neighbors attempted to give the child CPR. Emergency crews arrived and rushed the child to St. John Macomb - but the toddler did not survive.

"Terrible to have this happen in the process what we were trying to do to make it more safe," said Nathan Pipes, a family friend. "Then, this happens."

Nathan Pipes - who is very close to the family, says they have been working on the pool over the last month in hopes of preventing this very thing.

"That's what we've been working on," he said. "Me, my uncles, cousins, working that for a month try to get that pool together for the summer."

FOX 2 is told his mother was temporarily staying at her family's home -- when this happened.

Kevin will be remembered as a happy, friendly active little boy. Neighbors and family friends are heartbroken by what's being called a tragic accident.

"Playing with him in the backyard, he and his cousin Ethan playing with them both," Pipes said. "The smile I will never forget."

"Hold your babies close to you," a neighbor said. "Don't ever let them go."

It is unclear if any charges will be filed.