A 6-year-old Alabama boy went missing during a child's birthday party on July 30. Brantley Michael Griffin was celebrating at J&J's Place at the Springs, a campground and spring-fed pool in Coffee Springs, when the family realized he was missing around 3:30 p.m. There were reportedly about 70 other children at the party, per WDHN.
At first, the family thought he was lost or possibly abducted. Divers, however, later found Brantley's body submerged in a nearby spring-fed pool around 6 p.m. The divers quickly realized it was a recovery mission and not a rescue — the boy had already died.
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Brantley reportedly could not swim.
Brantley wore a flotation device during the day, but when his body was found, he didn't have it on, according to WDHN. As Tony Helms, Geneva County sheriff, told the news outlet, "There were a lot of children there. There was a lot of activity going on. So, the more activity and the more people you have there, it's very easy to overlook or lose your child."
His family last saw the 6-year-old in the playground area.
The playground was close to a wooded area, and the family initially thought he was just lost. A few short hours later, Brantley was found submerged in the spring-fed pool. Although it was not the outcome they had hoped for, Helms explained that investigators did what they set out to do.
"We were satisfied we had accomplished our mission yesterday, which was give the family closure, one way or the other," he explained, according to WDHN. "But there were no hoorays, no pats on the back."
Brantley's uncle shared the family's grief on Facebook.
Michael Griffin posted several times on the social media platform about the little boy he loved so much. His first post about what happened was captioned, "Absolutely heartbreaking. My 6 year old nephew, Brantley Michael Griffin, has passed away. Please keep my family in your prayers," he wrote.
Many commented, sharing love and support for the family.
"can't even imagine the pain. Praying for you and your family," a friend wrote.
Others shared prayers.
"I am so sorry. God, touch this family giving them the strength to get through this, be with them as time passes giving them good memories and the knowledge that this precious child gets to see Jesus and ONE day they will see him again!" one comment reads. "Glory to your name. In Jesus' sweet name we pray. Amen."
"Praying for some type [of] relief .and help with this loss and pain .thoughts w you and the whole family …." another friend wrote.
The family created a GoFundMe page and quickly reached the goal.
The generosity of many people made it possible for Brantley's family to make final arrangements for the young boy. According to his obituary, he was just days away from celebrating his seventh birthday.
"Brantley was born August 8, 2016 to Lonnie Griffin and Ashley Glanze. He was a great son, grandson, and big brother. Brantley was known for his sweet, loving, and helpful ways," the obituary reads.
Thousands of people drown each year.
Stop Drowning Now offers resources to help people stay safe in the water. According to the organization, in the United States, 10 people drown each day and 3,400 each year, and drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among children 1 to 4 years old.
"Close supervision is required when kids are in or near water (including bathtubs), at all times. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like playing cards, reading books, talking on the phone and using alcohol or drugs," the organization notes on its website.
"Unintentional drowning is preventable. Learn more about drowning and prevention programs. It's a challenge to avoid distractions, but children need the undivided attention of adults when they are near or in water," the website continues. "That text message can wait. So can that phone call, especially if it means saving a life!"
