SUMTER, S.C. — A 5-year-old girl drowned during a pool party at a local hotel last weekend. An investigation has lead police to call her death "accidental."
The girl, identified as Faith Gilmore, was found unresponsive in the pool at the Econo Lodge on North Washington Street Saturday night. Gilmore, along with family and friends, were at the hotel for a pool party, according to the coroner's office.
No charges are forthcoming in this incident, which has been ruled a "tragic accident."
Sumter police say the ruling came after speaking with witnesses, reviewing video surveillance and examining initial autopsy results, which showed no physical trauma. Toxicology results are still pending.
Prior to the drowning, police say about 20-30 people were around the pool, within arms' reach of the girl. Video reportedly showed the 5-year-old remained above water, even when it became apparent something was wrong.
The girl was then transported to Prisma Health Tuomey, where she later pronounced dead.