Boy, 2, dies after falling into Spokane River

A 2-year-old boy died after falling into the Spokane River west of Nine Mile Falls in north Spokane County on Sunday afternoon.

The boy was playing with his dogs near his home when the accident occurred, said Mark Gregory, spokesman for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

His father and neighbors pulled the child out of the icy water, but it was too late.

“The child evidently fell into the water or broke through the ice. He was pulled out within a couple of minutes but was unresponsive,” Gregory said.

Spokane County Fire District 9 and the deputies responded at about 12:30 p.m. and the toddler was transported to a hospital.

The boy was listed in critical condition at the hospital and died there, Gregory said. He declined to say which hospital.

“Despite everyone’s efforts to save his life, he was unable to be resuscitated,” Gregory said.