THUNDER BAY – The 13-year-old boy who nearly drowned in Art Widnall Pool on Saturday is coming home.
“Kevin is better. We are supposed to be getting transported home tomorrow to the hospital there,” his mom, Jennie Peloquin, said via email on Tuesday.
Calling it a “long road to recovery,” Peloquin said “he is having great progress. All lines are out. He is eating, walking and talking.”
Peloquin said she was told two young men held Kevin underwater in the shallow end of the pool. He may have been underwater for as long as 30 seconds.
Lifeguards rescued him from the pool.
Shane Muir, Chief of Superior North EMS, called it a near drowning on Monday.
Muir said liquid entered Kevin's airways. He also required oxygen.
EMS transported him to the hospital for further care. Police attended and released the site as part of the emergency response.
Kevin was airlifted to a hospital in London, Ont., for specialized care.
A friend of the family started a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $30,000, which will help the Peloquin family during this difficult time.
According to a media release from the City of Thunder Bay, an internal debrief and investigation will take place to ensure “all aspects of the incident are fully understood and addressed."
Members of the major crimes unit and forensic identification unit have become involved in the ongoing investigation.
"While the public concern generated by this incident is understood, speculation that has emerged online has the potential to interfere with the investigation," the Thunder Bay Police Service said in a media release issued on Monday.
"Investigators have been working diligently to conduct a fair and thorough investigation, which includes speaking to several witnesses and documenting the scene."
Anyone who was present at the time of the incident – or who has relevant information – that has not yet come forward is asked to contact investigators at (807) 684-1200.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.
