A 6-year-old boy rescued from drowning in a private residential pool near Mt. Airy died today from his injuries.
Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire says Mark “TJ” Phongsavanh of Demorest passed away this morning at Scottish Rite Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The boy was at a family gathering Saturday when the incident occurred. Mt. Airy Police Chief Tim Jarrell says some people in the group found the boy in the pool. He was unresponsive when they pulled him from the water. They were trying to resuscitate him when first responders arrived.
People at the scene told emergency personnel that the boy was possibly underwater for 10 minutes, according to Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black. Phongsavanh was airlifted to Scottish Rite in critical condition. He died Monday, May 27, at 10:37 a.m.
Chief Jarrell says his department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s drowning. “Any incident of a serious nature that involves children is investigated,” he says. “This is a tragic incident and my heart hurts for the family.”
“Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with the Phongsavanh family and friends at this most difficult time,” says McEntire.
Visitation is Friday, May 31, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Whitfield Funeral Home’s North Chapel in Demorest. TJ Phongsavanh’s funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the funeral home.
Mark “TJ” Phongsavanh obituary
