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5-year-old dies after being found unresponsive in Tanwax Lake near Tacoma

Aug 4, 2025, 7:58 AM

Tacoma homicide 2024 Emerald Queen Casino...

Police tape runs across a crime scene. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

A 5-year-old boy has died after he was found unresponsive in a lake south of Tacoma on Saturday, according to KIRO 7.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies received a call at approximately 4:55 p.m. for a missing child in the water near Tanwax Lake.

5-year-old boy dies swimming in Tanwax Lake

The boy was reported missing after he had been swimming with a floating toy, and others in the area could no longer find him, PCSO said.

The 5-year-old boy was located soon after PCSO deputies arrived. He was not wearing a life jacket.

A PCSO deputy brought the boy to the shore unresponsive and performed CPR on a paddleboard.

Firefighters arrived shortly after and transported the boy to a hospital.

The boy was pronounced dead later that evening.

PCSO noted that no arrests have been made, and the incident is being considered an accident.

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5-year-old dies after being found unresponsive in Tanwax Lake near Tacoma