Boy, 5, Who Fell Into Connecticut River Has Died; ID'd As Higganum Resident

The 5-year-old boy who fell into the Connecticut River in Middlesex County last week while kayaking has died, authorities said.

A 5-year-old boy who fell into the Connecticut River while kayaking has died days after being pulled from the water.
Photo Credit: *Canva/Osobystist*

Josh Lanier

11/01/2024 7:12 p.m.

Jaxon Podbielski, of Higganum, was kayaking with an adult and fell into the water around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 26, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. It's unclear how long he remained in the water before rescuers pulled him out.

WTNH reported the child suffered pediatric cardiac arrest when he was pulled from the water.

Original Report: 5-Year-Old In Critical Condition Following Kayaking Mishap

Haddam paramedics initially took the boy to Middlesex Hospital, but doctors had the boy airlifted in critical condition to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford. His condition never improved, and he died on Wednesday, Oct. 30, authorities said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death, DEEP said.

State officials are investigating the incident.

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