Family distraught at toddler's drowning

Photo / Martin Sykes

A toddler was found dead floating in a pond at the Queens Gardens in Nelson late this morning.

He was Zachary Kennedy, aged 20 months.

Sergeant David Lauer of Nelson police said Zachary had been playing in the gardens with his mother, uncle and grandfather when he wandered away from them about 11.30am.

His body was found floating in a pond about 15 minutes later.

"The family were looking for him and they called on members of the public to help them. It was a member of the public who found him."

Mr Lauer said the family was totally distraught.

The tragedy served as a reminder for people to be particularly careful with children around water, Mr Lauer said.

"It's a fairly shallow pond, only about 400mm deep. Unfortunately, with the little ones it doesn't take much for them to drown in."

The matter has been referred to the coroner.

- NZPA