An Oklahoma family is living a nightmare after their 18-month-old twins drowned in their family's swimming pool. On Thursday morning, Jenny Callazzo, 37, found her twins, Locklyn and Loreli, in the murky water at the bottom of the pool. Investigators believe the children slipped out through an open door and that the deaths were accidental.
Callazzo tried to save her children, but they were both unconscious when she discovered them, according to the New York Post. The mother of six and her husband, Sonny Callazzo, are trying desperately to put their family back together after losing their precious children.
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An older woman with Alzheimer's disease reportedly lives in the home.
According to multiple sources, Jenny Callazzo's grandmother lives with the family and allegedly left a door open. Investigators believe the children went out the door and somehow made their way into the water.
Police were called to the home in Oklahoma City by the children's mother. She had retrieved them from the pool before emergency crews arrived.
EMS took the children to a nearby hospital.
EMS arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures before taking the children to Baptist Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead, according to News 4.
Neighbors gathered at the scene to support and pray for the Callazzo family.
"It's certainly disturbing. And I you know, my prayers go out to that family because little children are precious," neighbor Mike Bernard told News 4.
Neighbors reported six children living in the home with their parents and the elderly grandmother. Bernard said he had met the family, who moved in about a year ago, but he did not know the toddlers.
The children's godmother spoke on behalf of the family.
Dawn Lemons, the twins' godmother, spoke with News 8 and shared her heartache. She said the children were "angels" and the "sweetest babies."
Lemons worries for the family as they try to put the pieces of their broken family back together. "Sometimes they are doing okay and sometimes they are falling apart," she said.
The family is grateful for the support of the community during the tremendous struggle. "This is not something that you can get over in a week or two weeks," Lemons said. "It is just not."
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Lemons set up a GoFundMe account for the Callazzos.
A GoFundMe page for the family has raised nearly $12,000 thus far. The fundraising page states that a candlelight vigil will occur at 7 p.m. March 25 at Route 66 Park Shelter in Oklahoma City. The family intends to use the money to help pay final expenses for the children and to help with the grandmother's care, according to the GoFundMe page.
"While I do not personally know your family, we share friends who grieve terribly for your precious children. May the God of peace and mercy comfort you during this time of unimaginable loss," one donor wrote.
"You all are in our hearts and on our minds during this most difficult time. May your sweet memories bring some comfort and peace. Sending love and hugs," another condolence comment reads.
Accidental drownings occur daily in the United States.
Stop Drowning Now reports that between 3,500 and 4,000 people drown in the US annually, which breaks down to nearly 10 drownings per day. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children 1 to 4 years old. Children younger than 1 are more likely to drown at home, and 23% of drownings occur during an at-home pool gathering.
The organization emphasizes that anyone can drown, which generally happens in just 20 to 30 seconds. Drowning is preventable if parents take proper steps to teach their children how to swim and ensure there is always a trusted adult around who can perform CPR. Pools should always have barriers or gates to keep out young children.
"Unintentional drowning is preventable. Learn more about drowning and prevention programs," the organization urges. "It's a challenge to avoid distractions, but children need the undivided attention of adults when they are near or in water. That text message can wait. So can that phone call, especially if it means saving a life!"
