Ocala Boy, 2, Drowns in Inflatable Pool

A toddler found lying in an inflatable swimming pool outside his Ocala home has died.

The Ocala Star Banner reports 2-year-old Manuel Mercado Jr. died Sunday at a Gainesville hospital.

Police say 32-year-old Brandi Dyal told them she was lying in bed around 8 a.m. on Saturday after giving the toddler and his 3-year-old brother drinks. The boys managed to get outside and she soon heard the older child yelling for her. She found the toddler lying sideways in the pool.

Ocala Fire Rescue officials say the mother started CPR while her 13-year-old daughter called for help. The 911 call came in at 8:46 a.m.

The boy's father was a work when the incident occurred.
 

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