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Friday, Jul. 18, 2008

UPDATE: WR police identify 4-year-old who drowned in pond

The 4-year-old child who drowned in a pond Wednesday night in the 400 block of Osigian Boulevard has been identified as Matthew Payne, son of Deloria and James Payne, according to the Warner Robins Police Department incident report.

According to a news release, Matthew Payne had walked to the pond with his sister, 7-year-old Gabrielle Payne who was identified in the incident report, from their Smithville Church Road home. Gabrielle Payne saw her brother enter the pond and go under.

Gabrielle Payne began to scream after her brother did not resurface for a few minutes, police said Thursday. A 16-year-old boy, Alexander Alvomellos heard her and called 911. Alvomellos attempted to locate Matthew in the water but was unsuccessful, according to the news release.

Police and fire department officials responded to the call at about 9:03 p.m. Police officer Josh Wilcox jumped into the pond and found Matthew Payne at the bottom.

He carried the child to the edge of the water where fire and emergency medical service personnel began CPR. The child was later pronounced dead at Houston Medical Center.