Drowning classified as accidental; autopsy result pending

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported accidental drowning that claimed the life of a young Fort Scott boy.

According to a BCSO news release, several local first responders were dispatched just before 6 p.m. Friday to the area of the 2100 block of Jayhawk Road following a report of a missing child.

After a search of the property and surrounding area, 22-month-old Conner Hawes of Fort Scott was found in a decorative fish pond located on the property. The child was unresponsive and responders immediately provided CPR on scene until medical personnel arrived. The child was then transported to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead, the release said.

The child was transported to Kansas City, Kan., for autopsy, which is procedural in cases involving children or unattended deaths. Until ruled otherwise, the investigation is classified as an accidental drowning, the release said.

The official autopsy report will be forwarded to the sheriff’s office and Bourbon County District Court when completed, the release said.

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said Tuesday the process for the autopsy and receiving the report takes about 30-45 days.