VALLE VISTA: Two-year-old dies nearly 2 weeks after being found in pool

VALLE VISTA – A 2-year-old boy found floating in a back yard swimming pool Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, succumbed to his injuries Sunday, Feb. 12.

The incident happened in the 25000 block of Bellview Street in the unincorporated community of Valle Vista. The residential neighborhood is south of Charlton Avenue and west of Ramona Expressway.

“Investigators are currently conducting a follow-up investigation on the incident to rule out foul play or neglect,” Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Robert Duckett said the day after the boy’s death.

2-year-old Zayden Wilson died after spending twelve days on life support after he was found in a family pool in Valle Vista. Wilson family photo

Zayden Wilson, who lived in Aguanga with his mother and two siblings, was pronounced dead by hospital staff about 4:20 p.m. The accident happened while the toddler was visiting his grand mother’s Valle Vista residence. Zayden’s mother, Heather Wilson, was at work when she received a phone call with news of her son’s accident.

Firefighters and other emergency first responders rushed to the home about 10:57 a.m., Jan. 31, after Riverside County emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a person reporting that a child was found in a pool at the home, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Public Information Officer Tawny Castro said shortly after the accident happened.

After being discovered in the pool, Zayden was transported in critical condition to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. He remained on life support for twelve days before finally succumbing to his injuries.

During the last two weeks, the victim’s family has received an outpouring of support and well wishes from around the community, as many offered their prayers for Zayden’s recovery. Family members also held a candlelight vigil for Zayden at the Anza Community Hall Feb. 7.

In the days after Zayden’s tragic accident, a gofundme account was established to help pay for “Baby Zay’s” medical and other expenses. As of Feb. 14, $1,800 had been raised. Family and friends are now hoping to raise enough money for a funeral for the beloved toddler.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind anyone with swimming pools to secure both interior and exterior access to these areas with fencing and door alarm systems,” Duckett cautioned. “This should help to eliminate any accidents from occurring around unsupervised swimming pools.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Porrazzo at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station (951) 791-3425 or Investigator Harvey at (951) 955-6136. Callers can refer to incident file number D170310043 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including the Robert Presley Detention Center, the Southwest Station in Temecula, the Hemet Station, and the Lake Elsinore Station, along with many other locations.