Deputies said about 30 people were at the northwest Harris County pool when the child was found unresponsive.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 5-year-old boy died Saturday after he was found unresponsive in a crowded apartment complex pool in northwest Harris County, authorities said.
The drowning happened about 7 p.m. July 4 at the Cortland Wortham Apartments in the 10225 block of Wortham Boulevard, near North Eldridge Parkway and FM 1960. Harris County sheriff’s deputies said emergency medical workers were already performing CPR when they arrived. The child was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said the boy had been at the pool with his mother and aunt during the Fourth of July holiday. Deputies said the adults were in another area of the pool when the child went underwater. A person at the pool noticed the boy was unresponsive and helped pull him from the water before first responders arrived.
At least 30 people were in or near the pool when the child was found, deputies said. Several people left before investigators arrived, but authorities said many had been identified and would be interviewed. A neighbor who witnessed the rescue told ABC13, “We all jumped in to help.” The neighbor said people at the pool tried CPR and did what they could before emergency crews took over.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said detectives are working to determine how long the boy was underwater and what happened in the moments before he was found. Investigators also are seeking surveillance video from apartment management to build a clearer timeline. Officials had not released the child’s name as of Sunday.
The case remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the Harris County District Attorney’s Office will review the findings and decide whether any charges are warranted. No charges had been announced Sunday, and officials said key details, including exactly how the child went underwater, were still unknown.
The death came during a busy Fourth of July holiday period for Harris County first responders. Gonzalez said deputies also handled another child water emergency that day, involving an 8-year-old who was taken to a hospital in serious condition after a separate pool incident in the Humble area.
The Cortland Wortham complex sits in a residential and commercial area of northwest Harris County, close to major roads and apartment communities. On Saturday night, investigators remained at the scene as they spoke with witnesses and worked with property staff. Deputies said the pool area had been crowded before the emergency call.
As of Sunday, the sheriff’s office had not announced a final timeline or cause beyond drowning. The next steps include witness interviews, video review and referral to prosecutors once detectives complete their preliminary findings.
Author note: Last updated July 5, 2026.