Capt. Paul Sigsworth of the Erie County Sheriff's office called the death a "tragic accident." Coroner Brian Baxter said the mother momentarily lost sight of her son, who didn't know how to swim and was playing with an older brother around the pool, which ranges from 3- to 4-feet in depth.
Kalahari spokeswoman Carrie Leum said in a statement that park employees were "deeply saddened" by the toddler's death. She says the park is cooperating with law enforcement.
